Lifeboat tows Liberty to safety

Emergency services were launched on Wednesday to assist the small fishing boat Liberty with one person on board.

The Liberty was off the island of Muckle Roe when her engine failed after she had started taking in water.

Shetland Coastguard was alerted at 12.25am and launched the Aith lifeboat and scrambled the Sumburgh based search and rescue helicopter 102.

Two fishing vessels in the vicinity, the Samphrey and the Alana Jane, also offered assistance.

The helicopter monitored the situation but was stood down when the Alana Jane managed to get alongside the stricken vessel.

Shortly afterwards the lifeboat arrived and transferred a pump and a mechanic.

The Liberty was then taken under tow by the lifeboat and arrived at the Brae marina at around 2.30pm.

Conditions were fair with a moderate southwesterly breeze.