RNLI rescue fishing boat drifting near wind farm
A volunteer crew from Montrose RNLI launched in the early hours of last Friday morning (April 24) to assist a fishing vessel that had lost power around 21 nautical miles off the coast of Montrose.
The all-weather lifeboat ‘RNLB Brianne Aldington’ – a relief lifeboat currently on station at Montrose while 'RNLB Ian Grant Smith' undergoes scheduled maintenance – was tasked at 03.10am by HM Coastguard.
The volunteer crew launched within 12 minutes of the initial page, departing from Montrose Harbour at 3.22am.
As the lifeboat departed Montrose Harbour, visibility was severely reduced, with crew unable to see Scurdyness Lighthouse or nearby navigation buoys.
However, conditions improved around five nautical miles offshore, with the weather clearing.
On arrival at the scene, conditions were clear and calm. The casualty vessel had suffered engine failure and was drifting just one nautical mile from the Seagreen offshore wind farm.
The Coxswain assessed the situation and determined that undertaking a tow was the safest and most effective way to assist the casualty.
A towline was successfully established at 4.40am, and a slow tow back to Montrose Harbour commenced.
During the return journey, conditions changed again, and as the lifeboat approached Montrose, the crew encountered thick fog, requiring careful navigation back into harbour.
The vessel was brought safely into the port at around 8am, where, with the support of HM Coastguard, the casualty vessel was safely secured in the harbour.
The lifeboat was stood down at 810am. Following the call-out, the volunteer crew carried out standard procedures to wash down, refuel, and prepare the lifeboat for service.
Jim Candy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Montrose, said: “Our volunteer crew launched in the early hours and made best speed to reach the vessel.
“With the fishing boat drifting close to the wind farm, the decision to establish a tow was the safest option.
"The crew then carried out a steady tow back to Montrose, ensuring the vessel was brought safely into harbour and handed over to HM Coastguard.
“We’re pleased to have been able to assist and bring the situation to a safe conclusion.’
The call-out involved a full volunteer crew from RNLI Montrose, supported by shore crew and station personnel.