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RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat called to grounded fishing vessel

Lifeboats News Release

Lerwick lifeboat launched at 3.20pm today to go to the aid of a 25-metre whitefish vessel that had grounded in Lerwick harbour.

RNLI Lerwick

The vessel aground near Lerwick Fish Market.
The vessel, with seven crew who remained on board, was reported stuck fast in the north of the harbour, near Lerwick Power Station. Coastguard rescue teams, and harbour vessels Knab and Kebister all attended the scene to assist the vessel.

After assessing the situation, and learning that there was no immediate threat to life, the lifeboat crew stood by to provide assistance if necessary.

Knab and Kebister secured lines to undertake a tow and, on the rising tide, the vessel re-floated and was brought alongside the quay at the nearby Lerwick Fish Market at around 5.30pm. There was no evidence of pollution on the surface and the vessel appeared to be undamaged.

The lifeboat stood down and returned to station at 5.45pm, and was refuelled and made ready for service.

The air temperature at the time was around four degrees Celsius, with a F6 north-easterly breeze, gusting higher.

Stephen Manson, Coxswain said: “We’re glad that the crew are safe and hopefully any damage is minimal. The crew of the two harbour vessels did a good job to get the vessel afloat and safely alongside the nearby quay, which was a good outcome.”

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.

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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.

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