Anstruther RNLI lifeboat launched to upturned hull
Anstruther RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched to support Kinghorn RNLI in-shore lifeboat to conduct a search for an upturned hull early this morning (Saturday 22 March)
A member of the public had called HM Coastguard and reported an object of 2.5 to 3 meters in length floating in the sea off Prestonpans, suspecting it to be an upturned hull.
Anstruther RNLI all-weather lifeboat Robert and Catherine Steen launched at 6.50 am and reached the search area in short order. Despite the poor visibility due to rain and mist, the volunteer crew of 6 were able to conduct an immediate search and identified the object.
The object reported turned out to be a disposed of mattress, which was recovered to prevent a further danger to shipping or marine life.
Michael Bruce, Anstruther RNLI Coxswain says: ‘Although this incident was a false alarm with good intent, I stress to the public to continue reporting all sightings where you think that someone may be at risk on the sea, as the RNLI volunteers will always respond where there is any potential risk to life.
The incident was terminated at 07.22 am and the volunteer crew recovered the lifeboat to Anstruther harbour and moored it to the quayside to make a later high-water recovery. The crew returned at 11:00 am to recover the lifeboat and washed and refueled it ready to respond to the next emergency.
Notes to editors
The attached picture shows Anstruther RNLI all-weather lifeboat Robert and Catherine Steen being recovered on the Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS) to the station at 11.45 am this morning (Saturday 22 March). Credit Simon Full Anstruther Lifeboat Station.
RNLI media contacts Deputy Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Anstruther RNLI [email protected]
Regional Communication Manager NE Scotland Natasha Rushby [email protected]
Regional Communications Lead Scotland Martin Macnamara [email protected]
RNLI Press Office 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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