Peterhead RNLI lifeboat crew receive awards for saving five lives

For their efforts, Coxswain, Pat Davidson, received a Chairman’s Letter of Commendation, and crew members, Mike Dyke, Murdo Mackenzie, Martyn Simpson and Craig Aird, received the Lifesaving Operations Director’s Letter of Commendation on March 17 2023.

The casualty vessel, 160-tonne Opportunus IV fishing boat, was caught in difficulty and being pushed towards the rocks, not far from Peterhead Harbour. Peterhead RNLI were tasked and quickly launched around 4.30pm on 5 February, 2021.

This was Pat Davidson’s first shout as Coxswain, and one he will certainly not forget.

Another fishing vessel had attempted to tow the Opportunus away, but its line had broken numerous times due to the stormy conditions. The Coxswain and crew members involved have 73 years’ experience in RNLI rescue operations, but all agreed that this was their ‘most dramatic’ mission.

RNLI crew member, Jonathan Hutton, was requested to throw the towing rope to the casualty vessel. Due to how close the fishing boat was to the rocks, there would not be another opportunity to come round and try again. Thankfully, Jonathan made the throw first time, and the fisherman were able to attach the line to their boat.

With the tow attached, the crew then used all 2,000 horsepower of the Peterhead RNLI lifeboat to avoid hitting the rocks and pull the Opportunus to safety.

On Friday 17 March, members of the RNLI and the local community attended Peterhead RNLI Lifeboat Station to present the crew with their awards, including Jill Hepburn, Head of Region for the RNLI in Scotland, and Joanna Marchioness of Aberdeen, vice Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire.

Pat Davidson, coxswain at Peterhead RNLI, says: ‘We all played a part in saving five lives that day and that is honour enough.’

Jill Hepburn, Head of Region for the RNLI in Scotland, says: ‘This is a moment to pay tribute to the special collective efforts of the whole team and their families who support them. You can inspire the next generation and ensure the RNLI will stay here in Peterhead for another 200 years.’

To keep up to date with Peterhead RNLI, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/peterhead.lifeboat/?locale=en_GB

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

· A video of Pat Davidson being interviewed about the rescue can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kIgzscu0k

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Nancy Duncan, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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