Wick RNLI lifeboat launched to assist round Britain rower

The rower had successfully passaged through the Pentland Firth and was making his way down the east coast towards Freswick when there was a change of wind direction which made getting around the headland against both wind and tide very difficult.

At this point the rower decided to ask for assistance.

Wick RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene at 8pm and due to the casualty vessel's location, the lifeboat launched the daughter XP boat to reach the vessel in the shallow water.

Weather conditions on scene were described as force 6 with a 2-3 knot tide.

The decision was made by the coxswain to take the vessel under tow and return it to Wick harbour.

The rower was quoted as saying he wished to thank the RNLI crew from Wick for their great assistance.

Ends

Notes to Editors

· Wick lifeboat station has been operating since 1848. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/wick-lifeboat-station

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John Taylor, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Jaye Mackay, RNLI Media Engagement – Placement for Scotland 07929 673286, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

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

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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