RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat escorts yacht to safety after almost 10-hour call-out

At the request of HM Coastguard, Lerwick Lifeboat crew were paged at 11.38am and had launched the lifeboat by 12 noon.

The yacht was heading west from Norway, and the two crew on board had contacted HM Coastguard to report they were in difficulty.

The 250-metre crude oil tanker MV Jaarli which had recently left Sullom Voe oil terminal had also stood by in the area, to assist with radio communications while the lifeboat made its way to the yacht’s location.

The lifeboat reached the vessel at 1.50pm and made contact with the yacht crew. It was soon established that the yacht was making good progress without need for immediate help. The crew of the yacht crew continued their voyage towards Shetland making around four to six knots, with the lifeboat standing off to accompany them and provide any assistance if it was needed.

The yacht and lifeboat both returned to Lerwick harbour around 9.45pm and the yacht made its own way to a pontoon on Victoria Pier. Lerwick Lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for her next service.

Winds were westerly to south westerly, initially F5 and falling lighter later in the afternoon, with an air temperature of around 12 degrees Celsius.

Stephen Manson, Coxswain: “We’re pleased that this yacht and the two crew aboard were able to make their own way safely into Lerwick harbour. There was a good sea swell and things could have ended differently. The skipper did the right thing by contacting the Coastguard when they realised they might need assistance. We hope the crew have a good rest in Lerwick before they set off on their next voyage.”

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Bob Kerr, Lifeboat Press Officer - RNLI Lerwick, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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