RNLI Lerwick joins emergency services for missing person search
Lerwick Lifeboat launched at 3.15am this morning to search the coastline south of Lerwick.
After launching from the small boat harbour in Lerwick, the lifeboat made good speed to begin a detailed search along coastline of Gulberwick, the Voe of Sound and Breiwick. Lifeboat crew also launched the three-metre inflatable ‘Y-boat’ to carry out a thorough search of shallow inlets and geos along the coastline, using hand held searchlights.
After almost four hours of searching in darkness, nothing was found and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to Lerwick harbour around 7am. Crew then refuelled the vessel ready for service.
Weather conditions were good, with slight winds and calm seas. Air temperature was three to four degrees Celsius.
The missing person was later traced at around 8.30am.
Tommy Goudie, Deputy Coxswain said: “We’re pleased that the missing person was eventually traced, despite our search efforts and those of emergency services colleagues. Our volunteer crew are always ready to respond to a request to launch whenever we might be able to assist.”
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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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