Dunbar RNLI assist casualty vessel tangled in creel lines

At 5.25pm on 25 June 2026 the coastguard requested Dunbar RNLI to assess a yacht with two adults on board. The casualty vessel had become tangled in creel lines two miles off Torness power station.

At 5.45pm the volunteer crew of the all-weather lifeboat John Neville Taylor launched to assess the situation and assess if any assistance was required.

Launching into misty choppy conditions the lifeboat arrived on scene and assessed the situation. The casualty vessel had their prop fouled by creel lines and the boat was making no progress towards their destination and was a risk to other vessels given the poor visibility.

After careful consideration by the coxswain Gary Fairbairn the decision was made to take the vessel under tow to Eyemouth, the nearest safe and suitable harbour. A crewmember was transferred to the casualty vessel to assist in preparing for the towing procedure.

On arrival at Eyemouth harbour around 8.30pm, the tow with the casualty vessel was transferred to Eyemouth RNLI who assisted the stricken vessel into a safe berth.

Gary said: ‘As we approached it was clear the vessel was making no headway. Given the poor visibility and the hazards in the local area. I decided to take the casualty to Eyemouth the nearest harbour.

'The crew of the yacht did the right thing calling for assistance as they were at risk of drifting onto rocks or putting their lives at risk entering the water to untangle the tangled lines. I want to congratulate my crew on the expert execution of the tow and thank you to Eyemouth Lifeboat for taking over the tow into Eyemouth harbour.’

After handing over the vessel, the lifeboat returned to Dunbar at 10.15pm where it was refuelled and made ready for service.