Epic rescue to save crew and boat from crashing into rocks

A lifeboat crew embarked on an epic rescue mission in treacherous weather to save those on board a fishing vessel that was ‘seconds away’ from crashing into rocks.

The 160-tonne vessel was attempting to tow another boat back to Peterhead Harbour in Aberdeenshire on Friday afternoon when it got into difficulty at the south breakwater.

Tasked by HM Coastguard, RNLI Peterhead responded to the alarm and quickly launched Tamar-class lifeboat The Misses Robertson of Kintail.

The volunteer crew were on scene within a matter of minutes and were able to bring the vessel and the five people on board back to land safely.

The incident marked Patrick Davidson’s debut as coxswain for RNLI Peterhead.

He said: “This was a really tremendous effort by the crew showing great teamwork and seamanship by all involved in really difficult conditions.

“If we had arrived seconds later the boat would have hit the rocks and it may have been a different outcome.

“As soon as I saw how close she was to the rocks, I immediately requested the helicopter. Due to the perilous situation I realised we only had one attempt to get this right.

“The crew and the skipper of the boat could not thank the lifeboat enough and said they’d be forever grateful which makes all the effort worthwhile.

“There has been weather and flood warnings in place across Aberdeenshire today. The conditions were very dangerous, but everyone worked together to ensure the safest outcome.”

Jurgen Wahle, lifeboat operations manager, commended the crew for their quick and crucial efforts to save lives at sea.

He said: “This was really a phenomenal performance by all involved, showcasing great leadership from Pat on his first shout as coxswain and excellent teamwork from the rest of the crew.

“This was a critical incident and the effort from everyone on shore and at sea has resulted in five lives being saved.

“It is a tremendous outcome, and I’d like to commend the bravery displayed by the crew.”