RNLI rescues two people stranded on sailboat after rudder issues and bad weather in Cruden Bay

Rescue crews were called out to a Mayday call after a sailboat with two people on board ran aground.

The Peterhead RNLI’s lifeboat was called to the boat’s aid in Cruden Bay at around 3.25pm on Tuesday, alongside a coastguard helicopter and a local coastguard team.

The boat has encountered bad weather and some rudder issues and due to its position in shallow water, it was deemed too dangerous to approach with the lifeboat.

RNLI launched a smaller daughter craft to provide cover until the people were safe and could be collected ashore.

The lifeboat stood by until high tide and as the sailboat’s crew had released an anchor before abandoning the vessel, it remained afloat.

RNLI said the sailboat’s engine was restarted by a crew member of a smaller local creel vessel before all the boats made their way back to Peterhead.

Duty coxswain Patrick Davidson said: “This was an excellent example of a multiagency collaboration with great work from the local Coastguard teams and the local creel vessel in a call out that could have resulted in a far more serious outcome.

“The sailing vessel’s crew were well equipped and experienced and we are all delighted that they are safe and well. I would also thank my fellow volunteer crew members today.”