RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat launches to aid 20-metre fishing trawler taking on water

The fishing vessel, with six crew on board, had contacted HM Coastguard after experiencing difficulties in the early hours of the morning while fishing east of Fair Isle.

Making steady progress in poor seas, the lifeboat averaged between 15 and 20 knots, reaching the trawler around 10.45am, around 25 nautical miles east of Fair Isle.

The vessel was taking water on board but with pumps in operation below deck, she was able to make way without any assistance. Lerwick lifeboat stood by and accompanied the trawler as she made steady progress northwards at around 5-6 knots, reaching Lerwick harbour around 3pm.

Weather conditions were poor with F7-8 south easterly winds, which had persisted for the previous 12 hours or so, and heavy sea swell. The air temperature was around 7 to 8 degrees Celsius.

Stephen Manson, Coxswain said: “With gales and heavy seas today, we’re pleased that this trawler is now in harbour for inspection and repairs. We stood by throughout the voyage in case the situation worsened and the skipper of the vessel did the right thing in contacting the coastguard when he realised that he may have needed help.”

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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