First shout for newly passed out Coxswain at Peterhead RNLI
Peterhead RNLI were tasked to two shouts on Sunday 6 August, which were the first for Fergus McGlone since he passed out as coxswain two weeks ago.
The first shout saw Peterhead RNLI launch at 3:48pm on Sunday afternoon to reports of an individual in difficulty while swimming in the water at Peterhead Bay.
The lifeboat, The Misses Robertson of Kintail, was involved in a mutli-agency search, but fortunately some nearby pleasure boats were able to recover the man from the water.
The Peterhead RNLI lifeboat proceeded alongside and transferred the casualty onboard where they were treated for some minor injuries and the effects of the cold water.
The Misses Robertson of Kintail returned back to the lifeboat station where they transferred the casualty to an awaiting ambulance crew, and the lifeboat was then made ready for next service.
Speaking of his first shout since passing out as coxswain, Fergus McGlone says: ‘It was a very fast paced shout – from leaving the berth, to tying the lifeboat back up alongside in just 12 minutes! I had a good and experienced crew alongside me, and I’ve worked with them so much that this didn’t really feel any different to previous exercises.
‘Everything was completed in an urgent but safe manner, and I was thrilled with the positive outcome.
‘For those wanting to enjoy our waters, we encourage you to do so safely. Don’t swim too far out and stay close to family and friends. Our waters can be unpredictable, so be aware of currents and offshore winds.’
Later that same day, the crew at Peterhead RNLI were tasked again at 6:37pm to a Pan-Pan call, with reports of a small yacht suffering mechanical failure drifting out to sea.
The lifeboat, The Missed Robertson of Kintail, launched and made best speed to the last known location of the casualty vessel – about 1-2 miles south east of Buchaness lighthouse.
When the lifeboat arrived on scene, the casualty vessel was being assisted by a small local fishing vessel. The crew made contact with the vessels and it was confirmed that everyone was happy with the established tow.
Peterhead RNLI escorted the casualty vessel, and her towing vessel, back to Peterhead and were on standby to provide assistance if required.
Once the vessel was alongside and supported by members of the Coastguard team, the lifeboat was returned back to the lifeboat station to be made ready for next service.
Fergus continues: ‘Anyone can get into trouble when out on the water. This vessel was equipped with a VHF radio and had survival equipment for the crew, so they were easily able to summon help when it was needed.’
Notes to editors
· Peterhead lifeboat station has been operating since 1865. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/peterhead-lifeboat-station
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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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