25 call outs in 2011
SHETLAND’S two lifeboats stationed at Lerwick and Aith were called out 25 times during 2011 and assisted a total 18 people in need of help.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said on Tuesday that Scotland’s 45 lifeboats were launched more than 1,000 times last year, rescuing 847 people.
The busiest station in Scotland was Broughty Ferry, on the outskirts of Dundee, where the RNLI’s two lifeboats (one all weather and one inshore) were launched a total of 104 times.
In Shetland the Lerwick lifeboat spent many hours at sea during the search for local fishermen Neil Smith, in January, and Karl Anderson, in June.
RNLI divisional inspector in Scotland, Paul Jennings, said: “The annual statistics reveal once again the devotion to duty by our volunteer crews throughout Scotland.
“Apart from the shouts, the crews spend a great deal of time in exercising and improving their skills so that they are in a position to help anyone in all types of weather and in all types of situation.”
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.
Already a member? Sign in.
