Lerwick RNLI launches to stricken fishing vessel in 18-hour shout
Lerwick RNLI were paged on Thursday 19 October at 1:52pm to reports of a stricken fishing vessel, 60-miles east of Shetland, after it had started taking in water in stormy conditions.
The 17m fishing vessel had broken down and the RNLI crew were launched into difficult conditions in the North Sea, heading into the south-easterly gale which has brought chaos across Scotland.
The crew were informed of three people on board, and made best speed, given the conditions, to the casualty vessel. A support vessel and a Coastguard helicopter were also on scene.
Due to the sea conditions, the Coxswain deemed it unsafe to evacuate the people onboard and the decision to attach a tow was made.
The lifeboat took the casualty vessel under tow and headed back towards Lerwick, arriving into the harbour at 8:25am on Friday 20 October – over 18 hours at sea.
Coxswain, Stephen Manson, says: ‘With the weather and all, it took a little bit longer than usual to get our tow line set up. We got attached to her at the third attempt, and we then started making our way back to Lerwick.’
A spokesperson for the RNLI says: ‘This was an incredibly difficult call out for Lerwick RNLI given the treacherous and stormy conditions of the North Sea as Scotland faces Storm Babet.
‘The crew performed outstandingly and after an 18-hour shout, returned back to the station early this morning. We cannot thank them enough for their service and dedication to the RNLI and helping to save lives at sea.’
Notes to editors
· Lerwick lifeboat station has been operating since 1930. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/lerwick-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
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.