Montrose RNLI launched to drifting fishing boat near offshore wind farm
Volunteer crew from Montrose RNLI launched in the early hours of this morning (24 April) to assist a fishing vessel that had lost power approximately 21 nautical miles off the coast of Montrose.
The all-weather lifeboat ‘RNLB Brianne Aldington’, a relief lifeboat currently on station at Montrose while 'RNLB Ian Grant Smith' undergoes scheduled maintenance, was tasked at 03:10am by HM Coastguard. The volunteer crew launched within 12 minutes of the initial page, departing Montrose Harbour at 03:22am.
As the lifeboat departed Montrose Harbour, visibility was severely reduced, with crew unable to see Scurdyness Lighthouse or nearby navigation buoys. Conditions improved around five nautical miles offshore, with the weather clearing.
On arrival at the scene, conditions were clear and calm. The casualty vessel had suffered engine failure and was drifting just one nautical mile from the Seagreen offshore wind farm. The Coxswain assessed the situation and determined that undertaking a tow was the safest and most effective way to assist the casualty.
A towline was successfully established at 04:40am, and a slow tow back to Montrose Harbour commenced. During the return journey, conditions changed again, and as the lifeboat approached Montrose, the crew encountered thick fog, requiring careful navigation back into harbour.
The vessel was brought safely into the port at approximately 08:00am, where, with the support of HM Coastguard, the casualty vessel was safely secured in the harbour.
The lifeboat was stood down at 08:10am. Following the call-out, the volunteer crew carried out standard procedures to wash down, refuel, and prepare the lifeboat for service.
Jim Candy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Montrose, said:
‘Our volunteer crew launched in the early hours and made best speed to reach the vessel. With the fishing boat drifting close to the wind farm, the decision to establish a tow was the safest option. The crew then carried out a steady tow back to Montrose, ensuring the vessel was brought safely into harbour and handed over to HM Coastguard. We’re pleased to have been able to assist and bring the situation to a safe conclusion.’
The call-out involved a full volunteer crew from RNLI Montrose, supported by shore crew and station personnel.
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.