A Scots lifeboat came to the aid of a stricken yacht during the Shetland Races, making it the 900th launch for Lerwick lifeboats in almost a century.
The RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat was called in by the UK Coastguard this morning after the 12-metre Norwegian yacht stalled near Bressay marina. The five-person strong crew was unable to set sail due to creel lines becoming tangled in the boat's propeller.
The lifeboat crew was dispatched at roughly 7.55am, just five minutes before 35 yachts were due to set off for the annual race's return leg across the North Sea to Bergen. Passing to the north of the participating vessels, which were due to head out the south entrance of Lerwick harbour, the lifeboat reached the yacht in just five minutes.
Crew attached a line and took the vessel under tow across the harbour, however the crew of the yacht were able to free the ropes from the propeller shortly after and restore engine power. After thanking the lifeboat workers, the crew set sail to catch up with the rest of the racing yachts.
The call-out is believed to be the 900th for Lerwick Lifeboat since it was first established in Lerwick Harbour in July 1930.
Stephen Manson, Coxswain of Lerwick Lifeboat said: “It was unfortunate timing for this vessel to get caught in creel lines, just as all the racing yachts assembled this morning. We were able to navigate across a busy harbour to reach them quickly but thankfully the crew of the yacht were able to free the fouled rope themselves.
"We hope they can make up time in the race and we hope all the vessels have a safe passage across the North Sea back to Bergen."
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