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RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat called to assist 40 metre vessel with gearbox problems.

Lifeboats News Release

Lerwick Lifeboat launched this morning to go to the aid of a live fish carrier which had gearbox problems and was struggling to make headway on the east coast of Shetland.

The 40 metre fish carrier vessel under tow at daybreak, south of Lerwick harbour.

RNLI

The 40 metre fish carrier vessel under tow at daybreak, south of Lerwick harbour.
Lerwick Lifeboat crew launched at around 4.50am at the request of the Coastguard. In light south-easterly winds, the lifeboat made good speed to reach the vessel in around 20 minutes, around four nautical miles south east of the headland of No Ness.

After assessing the situation, a decision was made to take the vessel under tow. Once a tow line was established, the two vessels set off northwards to Lerwick at a speed of around three to four knots, accompanied by a sister-vessel, also a fish carrier, which had arrived from Lerwick.

Around 9am, the vessels arrived in Lerwick harbour, the tow was released and the vessel brought alongside a safe berth at the north end of the harbour.

Stephen Manson, Coxswain said: “This large vessel had experienced gearbox problems, was unable to make progress, and was at risk of drifting had the conditions worsened. Our volunteer crew were able to establish a tow and bring her safely into Lerwick harbour. We’re pleased with the outcome of this call-out and we extend our thanks to crew of her sister vessel which accompanied us during the tow. ”

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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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