Aith RNLI tows stricken fishing vessel to safety
RNLI volunteers responded to calls for help from a fishing vessel on Sunday morning, which was drifting after its propeller became fouled.
Aith’s Severn class lifeboat Charles Lidbury was launched at the request of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency just after 0930, and soon arrived in St Magnus Bay – to the west of Muckle Roe - to assist the 26 metre seine netter.
After assessing the situation and the poor visibility at sea, the lifeboat crew decided to take the Lerwick registered fishing vessel under tow – and so prevent it becoming a hazard to navigation. After a long steam in wet and relatively gusty conditions it was brought safely alongside in West Burrafirth by 1400.
Relief RNLI coxswain Bruce Rae said that the fishing vessel had done the right thing in calling for assistance:
“Our volunteer RNLI crew all performed their duties perfectly, resulting in a textbook and efficient towing operation”.
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