Emergency services / Tow-in job for Lerwick lifeboat
LERWICK lifeboat launched on Saturday evening to assist a German-registered yacht that had run into difficulties one mile east Helli Ness, off Cunningsburgh.
The skipper and only person on board the 12-metre yacht had alerted Shetland Coastguard reporting that the vessel was taking in water below deck.
The lifeboat launched just before 6pm and reached the vessel 20 minutes later.
A member of the lifeboat crew was transferred aboard the yacht and on inspection, it seemed that the problem might be related to the engine’s cooling system, rather than any obvious damage to the hull.
A decision was made to take the vessel under tow.
Tommy Goudie, Deputy Coxswain said: “The skipper did the right thing by contacting the coastguard when he realised he needed assistance.
“With water accumulating below deck and no means of propulsion, the vessel could have drifted for some time. Our crew were pleased to be able to assist and to bring the yacht back to the safely of Lerwick harbour for repairs.”
Sea conditions were smooth, with light westerly winds, and an air temperature of around 12 degrees Celsius.
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