RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat launches to sinking fishing vessel

24 March 2024

The UK Coastguard coordinated the rescue to the incident, with the Sumburgh-based Coastguard Rescue helicopter also tasked to the scene, assisted by a Norwegian rescue helicopter. Lerwick lifeboat launched and made good speed to the scene, despite rough seas.

The fishing vessel had reportedly taken in a quantity of water at the stern and sank quickly. Before the eight crew on board abandoned their vessel, they had time to activate their ‘DSC’ martitime distress signal, giving their exact location.

At the time, winds were northerly, Force 6-7, with an air temperature of around five degrees Celsius.

The eight crew were lifted from their liferafts by helicopter and taken to Sumburgh airport. All fishing vessel crew are reported to be well.

Lerwick lifeboat arrived at the scene of the sinking around fifteen minutes later. Crew searched the area and recovered floating debris from the surface.

The lifeboat returned to Lerwick harbour around 10am, and was refuelled and made ready for service again.

Stephen Manson, Lerwick Lifeboat Coxswain said: “We’re pleased that all crew were safely recovered by helicopter, given the cold sea temperature and rough sea conditions. The fishing vessel was well equipped and their distress beacon gave their exact location for the rescue response. Our volunteer crew are always able to respond to any request to launch for vessels in distress.”

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.