Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat responds to vessel in distress at Forth Rail Bridge
Queensferry's inshore Atlantic-85 Lifeboat launched to the call at 1.30pm on Saturday 11th April, which was on the doorstep of their lifeboat station at the Forth Rail Bridge.
At 1.30 pm today, Saturday 11th April, Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat, the Jimmie Cairncross, launched on service to reports of a sailing vessel in distress in the area of the Forth Rail Bridge. The vessel had reportedly ran out of fuel and was struggling to make way under sail. The lifeboat launched to assess the situation.
The crew launched into smooth seas, with a gusty force 4 breeze from the southwest. The lifeboat quickly arrived on scene, by this time a nearby workboat had the vessel under tow. However, they could not continue as they had another job to attend to. It was assessed that the best course of action was for the volunteer crew to take over the tow from the work vessel. Once it was deemed that the four crew members on board were safe and well, if a little cold from being out on the water for a number of hours, the vessel was taken under tow to Port Edgar Marina to be met by the South Queensferry Coastguard team.
Volunteer Helm Jacob says: ‘This is the time of year many start to get out on the water for the first time this season, we would advise those heading out to ensure your engine is well maintained and carry enough fuel for your journey, adequate tools and spares’.
He goes on to say ‘Always check the weather forecast and have a means of calling for help. If you are in trouble contact the coastguard via VHF or call 999 and ask for the coastguard’
The lifeboat returned to station and was refuelled and made ready for service at 2.27pm.
Notes to editors
Queensferry lifeboat station has been operating since 1967. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/queensferry-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Sim, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Queensferry RNLI, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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.