Aith lifeboat launched to aid boat with fouled propellers
THE AITH lifeboat was launched to assist a small recreational boat with fouled propellers on Thursday afternoon.
The Charles Lidbury was launched at 12.25pm at the request of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to go to the aid of a boat near the vicinity of the Clair oil field.
An oil supply vessel was standing by to assist the stricken power boat, which had three people onboard, while the volunteer lifeboat crew undertook the lengthy passage to the area.
On arrival, and having assessed the situation, the lifeboat took the vessel under tow to West Burrafirth – where a diver was on hand to carry out any required surveys and repairs.
The lifeboat and her volunteer crew then returned to Aith lifeboat station at around 9pm.
Aith coxswain Nathan Mann said that this was a “lengthy call-out”, with the pleasure boat around 43 miles north-west of Shetland.
“Thankfully, the three people onboard were safe and well, and with an oil supply vessel standing by, there was no immediate danger,” he said.
“It was a long day for the crew, but we were pleased to get everyone safely to shore.”
