RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat launches to vessel taking in water

The local vessel, with two crew on board, had contacted the UK Coastguard to report that they were taking on water and were in need of assistance. Lerwick Lifeboat launched and in calm sea conditions averaged around 25 knots to reach the vessel just after 6pm.

The vessel had taken on water but still had engine power and the skipper was able to make her way unaided to the Pool of Virkie. Lifeboat crew were able to pass a salvage pump aboard to help reduce the volume of water below deck. Once the water level had fallen, it became clear that a hose clip from a pump had failed, leading to the rising water level.

The vessel had run aground at low tide on a sand near Ness Boating Club and is likely to refloat on the next high tide.

Coastguard rescue teams and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

Sea conditions were good, with a calm winds and an air temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius.

The lifeboat stood down at 7.30pm and returned to Lerwick Harbour around 8.30pm to refuel and made ready for service.

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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