Lifeboat helps Peterhead trawler back to town in rough seas

LERWICK lifeboat assisted a Peterhead trawler back to town on Saturday after it started taking water on board.

Devotion, which had six crew on board, requested assistance just after 8am on Saturday after experiencing difficulties while fishing off Fair Isle.

The Lerwick lifeboat was launched and reached the trawler at around 10.45am, after making steady progress in poor seas.

Although Devotion was taking water on board, she was able to make her way up to Lerwick because of pumps below deck – with the lifeboat accompanying her along the way.

They reached Lerwick at around 3pm.

Coxswain Stephen Manson said it been a difficult job with the gales and heavy seas.

“We’re pleased that this trawler is now in harbour for inspection and repairs,” he said.

“We stood by throughout the voyage in case the situation worsened and the skipper of the vessel did the right thing in contacting the coastguard when he realised that he may have needed help.”