Dunbar RNLI lifeboat volunteers called out to boat with engine failure
Dunbar’s lifeboat volunteers yesterday (Saturday 12 April) came to the aid of two people whose boat suffered engine failure two miles northwest of the harbour.
After being alerted by HM Coastguard, the crew launched the D class inshore lifeboat David Lauder at 2.55pm from Dunbar Harbour and were on scene moments later. The two men aboard the small rigid inflatable boat (RIB) had been attempting to sail around Bass Rock when they got into difficulty.
A small angling vessel had been towing the RIB back to the harbour. However, after assessing all available options and for safety reasons, the lifeboat crew decided to take over the tow.
Dunbar RNLI helm Jamie Forrester said: ‘A small, local angling vessel had kindly taken the boat under tow but, due to the distance and the risk of undue stress to the angling vessel’s engine, the decision was made to take the tow. The crew of the RIB did the right thing by calling for help. They were well equipped, were wearing lifejackets and had a VHF radio on board.
‘At this time of year, with boats going back into the water for the first time, the RNLI’s advice is to check your engines, wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of calling for help.’
The lifeboat volunteers returned the RIB safely to the harbour at 3.40pm where the crew were able to recover their vessel.
Notes to editors
· Established in 1808, 16 years before the formation of the RNLI, Dunbar Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located on the south side of the mouth of the Firth of Forth.
· Since its formation, its volunteer crews have been honoured with 12 awards for gallantry.
· It operates two lifeboats – the Trent class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) John Neville Taylor, moored at Torness Power Station, and the D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) David Lauder, which launches from Dunbar Harbour.
Douglas Wight, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]
Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office (available 24 hours) 01202 336789 [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.