Loch Ness RNLI responds to motor boat with engine failure

Four volunteer crew members from the Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat Station were tasked at 19:44 to launch the RNLI Loch Ness Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV lifeboat and made their way towards Urquhart Bay.

Neil Stebbings, volunteer Helm at Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘We were tasked by HM Coastguard to locate a motor boat that was having engine trouble whilst supporting a charity swim in Loch Ness. The calm conditions on the loch allowed our volunteer crew to quickly locate the vessel and ensure everyone on board was safe and well. Once on scene, we carefully assessed whether establishing a tow was the best course of action to assist the vessel and it was determined that towing was the safest option. The vessel was towed to Dochgarroch Lock and safely moored with assistance from HM Coastguard shore crew.’

The shout was also the first joint callout for husband and wife Aron Rayner and Madison Archer-Rayner who joined the crew together in 2023 after relocating to the Highlands from Essex.

Aron and Madison said: ‘This shout was a pretty special one for us. We had our first callout together as husband and wife, heading out on the lifeboat as crew side by side. We’ve both been part of the RNLI for a few years now, but being able to respond together for the first time was something really special and a moment we’ll both remember.

‘We’re incredibly lucky to be part of such a welcoming and supportive crew. From the moment we joined, everyone has made us feel part of the team, and the training, encouragement and support we continue to receive is amazing. There’s always something new to learn, and knowing you have such an experienced and dedicated group of people around you gives you a huge amount of confidence.

‘Being able to volunteer together and play our small part in helping the community means a great deal to both of us. This shout was definitely a proud moment, but ultimately it was all about working together as a crew and being there when we were needed.’

Ends

Notes to editors

· Loch Ness lifeboat station was established in 2008

· Situated on the northern shore of the iconic Loch Ness, lifeboat station volunteers operate in a unique, inland environment

· To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/loch-ness-lifeboat-station

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lynsey Macready, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [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.

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