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Forty five rescued from stranded ferry

Lifeboats News Release

This afternoon, RNLI Longhope volunteer crew were tasked with assisting in the evacuation of passengers from Pentland Ferries’ MV Alfred which had run aground on the Island of Swona.

MV Alfred from Longhope Lifeboat the Helen Comrie

RNLI/Andy Fellows

Alfred in sight
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Longhope Tamar Class lifeboat Helen Comrie was quickly at the scene and was soon joined by The Taylors, the Severn Class boat from RNLI Thurso.

Forty five somewhat shaken passengers and - to the surprise of the crew - one pet snake, were safely transferred to St Margaret’s Hope onboard the Helen Comrie. The MV Alfred was, thankfully, able to be refloated and was escorted home by The Taylors, with the rest of the passengers remaining onboard.



Passenger transfer in progress

RNLI/Andy Fellows

Passenger transfer in progress
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Alongside the MV Alfred

RNLI/Andy Fellows

Alongside the MV Alfred
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Key facts about the RNLI

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.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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