Anstruther RNLI In-shore lifeboat launched to stricken 20-foot pleasure craft
Anstruther RNLI D-Class In-shore lifeboat was launched to attend to a stricken 20-foot pleasure craft which was reported to be 400 meters south of Pittenweem harbour this morning (Tuesday 06 May)
An owner of a 20-foot pleasure craft experienced gearbox problems 400 meters south of Pittenweem harbour and requested assistance from HM Coastguard.
HM Coastguard requested a launch of the Anstruther lifeboat, which was authorised at 10.21 am. The Anstruther RNLI in-shore lifeboat Akira was launched with a volunteer crew of three and arrived at the scene at 10.35am. The favourable weather conditions of a clear sky, excellent visibility in flat, calm waters enabled a quick assessment of the situation and for the volunteer crew to take the appropriate action to make the situation safe.
With a westerly, force 1 wind the crew secured the stricken vessel and towed it into Anstruther harbour, where it was safely moored to enable a later repair of its gearbox.
Kevin Calder, Anstruther RNLI Station Senior Technician who was Helmsman for the D-Class in-shore lifeboat says: ‘The owner of the stricken vessel took the correct action, as he anchored his boat when he realised there was a potentially dangerous situation developing and requested assistance from H M Coastguard. This incident could have quickly escalated into a more serious incident and a potential risk to life if the vessel had dragged its anchor and ended up on the rocks.”
The incident was terminated at 11.10 am and the volunteer crew recovered the lifeboat to Anstruther RNLI lifeboat station. The lifeboat was washed and refuelled and at 11.30am HM Coastguard was notified that Akira was ready to respond to the next emergency.
Notes to editors
· Anstruther lifeboat station has been operating since 1865. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Anstruther Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations
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