RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat tows in dismasted Czech yacht after Pan-pan radio call.

The Czech-registered yacht with seven persons on board, had travelled overnight from Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands and was rounding Sumburgh Head this morning, on its way to Lerwick Harbour. In strong winds, a mast had broken and the skipper of the yacht had issued a ‘Pan-pan’ radio message to request assistance from any nearby vessels.

At the request of HM Coastguard, Lerwick Lifeboat crew were paged at 9.25am and launched within fifteen minutes, into a strong southerly breeze. Despite heavy sea swell, the lifeboat averaged around 23 knots, taking about an hour to reach the stricken vessel at 10.45am, one nautical mile east of Compass Head.

Sumburgh Airport’s Fast Rescue Craft had also launched from nearby Grutness Voe to provide assistance, arriving on scene at the same time as the lifeboat.

The crew of the yacht made the broken mast and rigging safe, and after assessing the situation, it was decided by that a tow by the lifeboat was necessary. Lifeboat crew established a tow line, and took the vessel at a steady five to six knots to Lerwick harbour.

The yacht was brought alongside a safe berth on Victoria Pier at around 2.45pm. The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for her next service.

Winds were southerly throughout, a steady Force 7, with a sea swell of three to four metres. The air temperature was 12 degrees Celsius.

Stephen Manson, Coxswain said: “Weather conditions today have been challenging with a stiff southerly breeze. If winds had shifted, this disabled yacht was at risk of being blown ashore onto rocks near Sumburgh Head. We were pleased to be able to reach the vessel in good time and to then take her under tow, safely into Lerwick Harbour for repairs.”

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

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