Macduff lifeboat crew were training in Banff bay this evening when they were tasked by HM Coastguard in Aberdeen at around 7:15 pm to assist the fishing vessel Prosperity which had lost power.
Coxswain Chassey Findlay said: 'Four of our crew were out training tonight when the Coastguard in Aberdeen requested that we went to assist the Prosperity.
'We sent the crew to the casualty to offer assistance and we were on scene within three minutes of being requested. Due to the size of the casualty vessel, our flank station Buckie were also tasked to assist. Fortunately, Buckie were also out training and were just off Portsoy when they were requested.'
Macduff Helsman James West who was aboard Lydia Macdonald said: 'on arrival with the casualty vessel we found her without power and all the crew in lifejackets in case they had to evacuate. We stood by until Buckie lifeboat arrived and then set up the tow and brake so we could get Prosperity back to Macduff.'
On arrival, Buckie lifeboat William Blannin took the Prosperity under tow while Macduff lifeboat took position astern of the casualty to act as a brake during the towing operation.
James added: 'Low tide was about 10 pm this evening, so there was some urgency to get the casualty back into the harbour before the tide was fully out, which would make manoeuvring the two lifeboats and casualty more difficult.'
Macduff Lifeboat Operations Manager Roy Morrison said: 'The Prosperity was returned to Macduff Harbour at around 8:15 pm and handed over to colleagues from the local HM Coastguard teams who were on hand to assist.
'Our crew had gone out this evening to do some final bits of training and test their learning before the RNLI Assessor comes to the station later this month to asses them. We quite often set up training scenarios for the crew so they can work in as close to real life situations as possible, tonight a real life rescue helped the crew put all of their learning in to practice and working with our flank station, completed a successful recovery.'
Macduff lifeboat was washed, refuelled and returned ready for service at 9:20 pm.
Notes to editors
• RNLI Macduff lifeboat B-804 Lydia Macdonald is a B class Atlantic 85 which carries 4 crew
• Lydia Macdonald is unique within the RNLI being the only lifeboat that is launched from a mobile crane. This method of launch allows the lifeboat to be launched from other locations should the need arise
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact
Mike Rawlins RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Macduff Lifeboat Station 07720 288366 or
[email protected]
Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]
The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.
