RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat tows in local scallop dredger

The vessel, with two persons on board, was suffering problems with an overheating engine.

At the request of the Coastguard, lifeboat crew launched at around 3.45pm and promptly headed north of Lerwick harbour. The lifeboat reached the stricken vessel at around 4.35pm, approximately two-and-a-half nautical miles north of the island of Whalsay.

A decision was made to take the vessel under tow and they returned to Lerwick harbour at a speed of around five to six knots. The vessel was brought alongside the quayside in the north of the harbour at around 8pm.

Winds were south-westerly, Force 3-4, and seas were slight.

Stephen Manson, Coxswain said: “The crew of this scallop dredger did the right thing by contacting the coastguard when they realised that they had engine problems. We were pleased to be able to assist and we’re glad that the vessel is now safely in harbour, rather than anything worse.”

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