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The vessel was taking in water below deck, was listing at around 25 degrees, and had issued a Mayday call. Its nearby pair trawler had taken in fishing gear to help, while the lifeboat and Sumburgh-based Coastguard Rescue helicopter both made their way to the vessel’s location, around 15 nautical miles southeast of Fair Isle.
The lifeboat left Lerwick Harbour at 3.25am and made good speed southwards to reach the vessel around two hours later. On arrival, the crew of the stricken trawler had been able to stem the ingress of water into the steering compartment, thought to have been caused by a faulty valve, and her pumps were reducing the volume of water below decks.
The pair trawler took her partner under tow, and the two vessels had begun to make way south to their home port of Peterhead. Lerwick lifeboat left the scene around 6am and the crew returned to Lerwick harbour at around 9am, to refuel the lifeboat, ready for next service.
Sea conditions at the time were good, with only light northerly winds, and an air temperature of around five degrees Celsius.
This was the second launch for Lerwick Lifeboat in just over 12 hours, with the crew having carried out a search east of Unst the previous afternoon, following a report of an automated distress alert – although nothing was found.
John Connor, RNLI Coxswain Afloat Mechanic, who is currently providing Coxswain cover for Lerwick Lifeboat said: “We’re pleased that the crew of this fishing trawler were able to manage their situation and that their partner vessel was on hand to assist. The skipper of the vessel did the right thing in contacting the Coastguard as soon as they realised they needed assistance.”
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.
