Dramatic Shetland rescue to feature in new Channel 5 coastguard documentary series

THE RESCUE of crew from a sinking fishing boat south of Sumburgh will feature in the first episode of a new Channel 5 documentary series on the coastguard.

The first episode of Coastguard: Every Second Counts will air at 9pm on Sunday (2 July).

It will retell the sinking of the Guiding Star fishing boat off Fair Isle in 2022 after it collided with its sister vessel Guiding Light, with footage of the rescue included.

All crew were rescued by the coastguard.

But promotional material for the TV show says it was “one of the most dramatic incidents in recent memory – it’s a race against time to rescue the helpless crew as they battle the rising swells and powerful gale force winds”.

A trailer for the first episode shows a life raft at sea, with people on it, being overturned in the swell.

HM Coastguard staff officer Jonathan Mustard said: “I think it’s really good recognition, not only of the incident and lives saved that day, but the importance of the HM Coastguard presence on Shetland and the dedication from all our staff and partner agencies.

“In Shetland we are fortunate to have a search and rescue helicopter base, dedicated volunteer coastguard rescue officers, full-time officers and a maritime rescue coordination centre.”

The series will also feature footage from the coastguard’s counter pollution aircraft performing duties in the North Sea.