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Stromness RNLI volunteers respond to EPIRB signal

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew of Stromness RNLI Lifeboat Station were tasked by HM Coastguard to search for an EPIRB that had fallen from a vessel in the harbour this week.

Two, yellow-clad volunteers, wearing white helmets operating a small RIB in the harbour

RNLI/Richard Clubley

Stromness RNLI Y-boat exercising in Stromness Harbour
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At 10am on Thursday 23 November 2023, Stromness RNLI lifeboat crew was paged and asked to search for an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) accidentally fallen over-board from a vessel moored in the harbour, only a few yards from the lifeboat's own berth.

The crew deployed the Y-boat (the small RIB carried on-board) and searched round piers and other vessels and soon found the device.
EPIRBs are not fixed to vessels, being designed to float free in the event of a sinking. On contact with water they start emitting a signal which can be picked up by the coastguard, enabling them to organise a rescue. The lifeboat or helicopter can then be directed, directly, to the casualty's position. EPIRBS can also be activated manually to alert to any other emergency.

Happily, no one was in danger on this occasion, but the system got a good workout. Thanks to the Stromness RNLI volunteers for their help.

Notes to editors

ยท Stromness lifeboat station has been operating since 1867. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/stromness-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Richard Clubley, 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


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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Richard Clubley
Lifeboat Press Officer, Stromness

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