Volunteer Crew Respond to Early Morning Emergency Call
Volunteer crew from RNLI Montrose launched in the early hours of Friday morning to assist a fishing vessel that had lost power approximately 21 nautical miles off the coast.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Brianne Aldington, currently on station while RNLB Ian Grant Smith undergoes maintenance, was tasked by HM Coastguard at 03:10am. The crew launched within 12 minutes, departing Montrose Harbour at 03:22am.
Poor Visibility Complicates Initial Response
Conditions were challenging at the outset, with severely reduced visibility as the lifeboat left harbour. Crew were unable to see Scurdyness Lighthouse or nearby navigation buoys during departure.
Visibility improved around five nautical miles offshore, allowing the crew to proceed under clearer conditions towards the casualty vessel.
Vessel Found Drifting Close to Offshore Wind Farm
On arrival, the fishing vessel was found to have suffered engine failure and was drifting approximately one nautical mile from the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm.
The Coxswain assessed the situation and determined that towing the vessel was the safest course of action, given its proximity to the wind farm and the risk of further drift.
A towline was established at 04:40am, and the lifeboat began a controlled return journey to Montrose Harbour.
Fog Returns During Tow Back to Harbour
Weather conditions deteriorated again during the tow, with thick fog encountered as the lifeboat approached the harbour, requiring careful navigation for the final stage of the operation.
The vessel was brought safely into port at approximately 08:00am and secured with the assistance of HM Coastguard.
The lifeboat was stood down shortly after, at 08:10am, before the volunteer crew carried out standard post-service procedures including washing down and refuelling.
RNLI Highlights Safe Outcome
Jim Candy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Montrose, said the decision to tow the vessel was based on safety considerations.
“Our volunteer crew launched in the early hours and made best speed to reach the vessel. With the fishing boat drifting close to the wind farm, the decision to establish a tow was the safest option. The crew then carried out a steady tow back to Montrose, ensuring the vessel was brought safely into harbour and handed over to HM Coastguard. We’re pleased to have been able to assist and bring the situation to a safe conclusion,” he said.
The call-out involved a full volunteer crew, supported by shore crew and station personnel.
