RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat launched to sinking shellfish boat
Lerwick Lifeboat crew launched at 7am this morning to a report of an 11-metre vessel that had struck a submerged rock around two nautical miles west of Out Skerries.
Sea conditions were flat calm, with light winds, although the air temperature was close to freezing on one of the coldest nights of the winter so far.
The lifeboat came alongside the salmon vessel and the two rescued crew were transferred to the lifeboat. With neither of them needing any medical attention, the lifeboat took them to Symbister pier in Whalsay at 8.45am.
The Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter was also tasked but later stood down.
The lifeboat returned to Lerwick harbour for around 9.15am and was refuelled and made ready for service.
Stephen Manson, Coxswain said:
“This outcome of this sinking could have been much worse. With a liferaft on board their vessel, the crew did the right thing by contacting the coastguard and then taking to their liferaft.
“With cold sea temperatures right now, a liferaft was the best option and we’re grateful that a nearby vessel was soon able to pick them up. We’re pleased to have been able to safely land the casualties in Whalsay after their ordeal."
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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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