Aith lifeboat tows creel boat suffering engine problems to Scalloway

17 August 2023 10:22

Lifeboat with orange hull and multiple crew members in safety gear operating in a coastal area with grassy hills in the background.

Photo: RNLI Aith

THE AITH Lifeboat was called out early on Tuesday morning after a local fishing boat suffered engine problems to the west of Shetland.

Lifeboat volunteers left Aith on board the RNLI Charles Lidbury soon after being alerted at 9am, steaming to an area five miles north of Foula to assist the 10m creel boat that had broken down.

The lifeboat crew, having assessed the situation, decided to tow the stricken vessel into Scalloway Harbour – with no other boats nearby to offer assistance.

The creel boat, with one crew member on board, was towed safely back into port by 1.15pm.

Aith RNLI said that after a “welcome delivery of Cornerstone fish and chips”, the lifeboat crew made their way back to base in Aith – tying up there again by 3pm.

Aith Lifeboat deputy coxswain Robbie Anderson said the creel boat had done the right thing in calling for assistance.

“Our volunteer RNLI crew all performed their duties perfectly, resulting in a textbook towing operation and an efficient service call,” he added.