Kirkwall RNLI presented prestigious award from Chief Executive, Mark Dowie

The volunteer crew of Kirkwall RNLI were tasked immediately by HM Coastguard and went to the aid of the fishing vessel from a reef between Heilliar Holm and Shapinsay on 13 January 2022.

At 4.42pm, Severn class Margaret Foster proceeded at full speed to the casualty location.

The lifeboat arrived on scene with very strong winds from the southwest – 47 knots in confused moderate to rough sea conditions.

The casualty vessel was located on the rocks in the northeast of Elwick Bay, lying broadside on a very shallow reef fully exposed to the prevailing wind and sea conditions, slowly drifting further northeast towards the shoreline over the shallow rocks, driven by the wind and flooding tide.

At 6.26pm, due to mechanical issues, coxswain Ali Cameron authorised the engine to be shut down and proceeded on starboard engine only and the casualty vessel was taking on water.

The lifeboat was manoeuvred alongside the casualty vessel, and two lifeboat crew were transferred onto the casualty vessel to assist with mooring. In strong winds and with very limited manoeuvrability, coxswain Cameron displayed outstanding boat handling skills.

The lifeboat then proceeded back around the harbour to the station to berth the lifeboat in the small basin upwind onto a broad-side berth, which was completed using springs to berth alongside. The coxswain then assisted the mechanic and two volunteer crew members to make ready the lifeboat, completing this at 2.30am. One life was saved that evening.

Ali Cameron, Kirkwall RNLI Deputy Second Coxswain, said:

“The shout was very difficult, in foul ground, and shallow water and in darkness. We had to shut down one of our two engines due to a mechanical issue but thanks to great teamwork by the lifeboat crew we carried out the rescue and got back to Kirkwall. Receiving the award is a great honour for the crew and for the station.

We decided that instead of the boat going off service due to the engine issue, myself, the mechanic and two other crew worked through the night to carry out the repair and get the boat back on service at 2am. That also showed real commitment to the station.”

Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive, said:

“The award of Thanks of the Institution on Vellum is a very rare award and is given not only for outstanding skill but also courage. Coxswain Ali Cameron displayed both attributes on this incredible rescue.”

This service had all the hallmarks of outstanding seamanship, leadership, initiative, and time-critical decision-making which warrant this recognition.

For his leadership, decision making and boat handling skills in challenging conditions and limited sea room, the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum should be awarded to Coxswain Ali Cameron for his exceptional service on this day.

For their integral part in this lifesaving service Vellum Service Certificates should be awarded to crew members

▪ David Flett

▪ Paul Martin

▪ Pansy Miller

▪ Sinclair Pirie

▪ John Tulloch

▪ Marcus Vile.

A special thank you to Mike Cooper, retired Lifeboat Operations Manager, for putting the service forward for recognition.

ENDS

Note to editors

· Kirkwall lifeboat station has been operating since 1972. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/kirkwall-lifeboat-station

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Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

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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