Lifeboat crew get into Christmas spirit with annual tree exercise

Shetland News @shetnews

24 December 2025 11:00

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Eight people in yellow rescue suits stand on a lifeboat at night, docked by a waterfront with illuminated buildings in the background.

The Lerwick lifeboat crew. Photo: RNLI

LERWICK lifeboat crew got into the festive spirit with their annual Christmas tree exercise at sea.

A GPS tracking map shows a route forming the shape of a Christmas tree with a star on top, over a coastal area labeled with place names.

The Lerwick lifeboat set off in a stiff breeze and some sea swell on Tuesday night to map out the biggest tree of the year, at around 2.8 nautical miles, to give folk some Christmas cheer.

RNLI Lerwick said it had launched the Lerwick lifeboat 21 times this year “to go to the aid of pleasure craft, commercial vessels and persons in difficulty, in daylight and darkness, and in all weathers”.

Their 28-year old Severn class lifeboat Michael and Jane Vernon also returned to the isles after a major refit this year, which will keep her going for years to come.

The RNLI, which relies on donations and legacies, has asked folk to donate to their Christmas appeal if they can.

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