RNLI Lerwick lifeboat speeds to fishing vessel billowing smoke near Mossbank

At the request of HM Coastguard, Lerwick Lifeboat crew were paged at 9.16pm and having just ended a crew training exercise, were able to leave the berth within around five minutes. In calm sea conditions, the lifeboat made good speed northwards averaging around 25 knots.

The lifeboat had almost reached the vessel around an hour later when the report was received that the fishing boat had safely reached Toft pier. The dark smoke that had been reported was thought to be exhaust fumes from the vessel’s engine – and no further assistance was required.

The lifeboat returned to Lerwick harbour around 11.20pm to refuel, and to make ready for next service.

Winds were very light, with an air temperature of around eight degrees Celsius.

John Connor, RNLI Coxswain Afloat Mechanic, who is currently providing Coxswain cover for Lerwick Lifeboat said: “We’re pleased that no assistance was needed for this fishing vessel which made it safely to a nearby pier, where the cause of the dark smoke that was reported can be investigated.

“Our volunteer crew are on call 24/7 and we’d always prefer to launch and not be needed, than to see anyone at risk at sea.”

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

• Bob Kerr, Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Lerwick, [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]

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