Fraserburgh RNLI Lifeboat Launches on Medical Evacuation 60 Miles Offshore
Volunteer crew members from Fraserburgh RNLI were called into action on Friday 7 November 2025 to conduct a long-range medical evacuation of a seriously ill fisherman approximately 60 nautical miles east-north-east of Fraserburgh.
The Fraserburgh all-weather Trent class lifeboat, Willie and May Gall, launched at 11.20am on Friday 7 November following a request from the UK Coastguard. The Coastguard had received a call from the skipper of the fishing vessel, who required immediate medical attention.
Initially, the vessel’s position was reported further out at sea, but the final rendezvous took place approximately 60 nautical miles (nm) from the station.
The weather conditions ruled out the use of a helicopter with severe fog in areas.
On arrival at the station, minutes after being paged, Coxswain Vic Sutherland chose a volunteer crew and briefed them on the expected long duration of the service and the challenging visibility they would face due to the severe fog patches reported in the operational area.
Fraserburgh Lifeboat the Trent Class Willie and May Gall left the harbour at best possible speed within minutes of being paged, in sunny but misty conditions.
Aboard were Coxswain Vic Sutherland, Mechanic Declan Sutherland and crew members Stephen Brown, Stewart Gray, Scott Leye, Grant Morrison and Dave Sutherland.
It wasn’t long before they encountered really thick fog and had to be very vigilant as they maintained best speed.
As the lifeboat made its way to the fishing vessel, the crew faced deteriorating visibility, making navigation highly demanding.
The lifeboat successfully located the vessel. Despite being in severe pain, the skipper was able to quickly transfer himself onto the lifeboat unaided. With the casualty safely aboard, the volunteer crew immediately began the lengthy return journey to Fraserburgh.
Coxswain Vic Sutherland said: “This was a significant journey in difficult conditions. The weather ruled out the use of a helicopter in some areas due to severe fog, so it was important that we reached the casualty as quickly and safely as possible. Visibility became extremely poor on the return leg, requiring a constant, extreme vigil from all the crew to ensure a safe passage home.”
The lifeboat finally returned to Fraserburgh harbour, arriving in thick fog and passed the casualty into the care of a waiting ambulance team for onward medical treatment.
The Trent was washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next service and the crew debriefed.
During the debrief Vic thanked the crew for their quick response and expressed his gratitude to a number of other volunteers who had also turned up when paged and when the lifeboat returned and who had assisted in so many different ways.
Vic also commented on the care and attention given to the casualty who was in extreme pain by members of the crew while in the care of the lifeboat.
Everyone was pleased that they were in a position to help and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Notes to editors
Fraserburgh lifeboat station has been operating since 1858. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/fraserburgh-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
Billy Watson, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Stuart Fenty, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.