Longhope RNLI respond to first shout of 2026

An early call for assistance helped to ensure a safe outcome on Saturday 10 January.

At 11.46am the volunteer crew from RNLI Longhope Lifeboat Station were paged, marking the station’s first shout of the year.

The crew launched their Tamar class lifeboat, Helen Comrie, following a report of a small vessel that had broken down due to fuel issues to the north-west of Hunda Sound. The vessel’s crew had taken appropriate action by deploying their own anchor, ensuring they were not drifting into danger.

By the time the lifeboat arrived on scene, the vessel’s engine had been successfully restarted, and the crew were making their way back towards St Margaret’s Hope, accompanied by Scapa Pathfinder, a pilot vessel. The Longhope lifeboat remained in attendance, following both vessels into the harbour until the vessel was safely alongside the pier.

Once the volunteer lifeboat crew were satisfied that no further assistance was required, the charity’s lifeboat was stood down and returned to Longhope, arriving back on station at 1pm.

Longhope lifeboat station says that, having experienced difficulties, the crew of the vessel did exactly the right thing by seeking help early. This allowed the situation to be monitored and ensured that support was available should it have been required.

RNLI lifeboat crews are volunteers and are willing to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are always happy to assist those in difficulty at sea and are pleased when incidents resolve safely.

This first shout of 2026 highlights the importance of seeking help early and the ongoing commitment of RNLI volunteers to saving lives at sea.

Notes to editors

· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)

RNLI media contacts

Vicky Mackinnon, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07703 688066, [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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