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Was this the last rescue for the Kirkcudbright RNLI lifeboat “Sheila Stenhouse”?
Although a new lifeboat for Kirkcudbright RNLI is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday 12 August the ILB
Sheila Stenhouse, thanks to all those looking after her, has continued to provide a full service over these last 20 months, moored on the river. The final chapter of her 20 year service.
Continuing a very busy summer the lifeboat was called out at 8.25pm on Saturday 8 August 2026 to assist a small motor vessel with engine failure. The crew launched and quickly found the boat close to Gibbhill on the river Dee. The boat was then taken on tow and returned to the Marina, where she was refuelled.
The owner of the motor boat said: 'As soon as we lost propulsion I knew I had to phone the RNLI and they arrived very quickly on scene to assist us and tow us back to the Marina. We were very grateful for their quick response.'
Although a very straightforward rescue a member of the lifeboat crew confirmed that those on board had made the right decision in calling for assistance as these simple problems can often turn into more serious situations. The lifeboat is on call 24/7 365 days a year. Anyone in difficulty should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Christine Collins, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Kirkcudbright, [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.