First shout for newly qualified Coxswain at Kirkwall RNLI
Sean Ryrie was tasked to his first shout as coxswain on Saturday 24 February to a mayday call from a fishing boat with four people onboard that had lost power.
The volunteer crew were paged at 4:46pm by Shetland Coastguard and quickly launched the Kirkwall RNLI lifeboat, Margaret Foster.
The fishing boat had lost power and was drifting towards the shore between Thieves Holm and Carness.
Kirkwall RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene to assess the situation with favourable weather conditions, and good visibility. The coxswain made the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties.
The towed vessel was returned to the nearest safe and suitable port. The crew then returned to Kirkwall harbour and the Margaret Foster was washed down, refuelled, and made ready for the next service.
The crew members of the casualty vessel were all unharmed.
Sean Ryrie, Coxswain says: ‘It’s always good to get that first one under the belt!’
ENDS
RNLI Media Contacts
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
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.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.