Invergordon crew launches into Storm Agnes aftermath as stricken yacht drifts through Sutors

A SIX-strong crew of Easter Ross volunteers was called into action by the UK Coastguard after a yacht broke free in strong gusts and drifted out through The Sutors.

RNLI Invergordon Lifeboat launched shortly after pagers buzzed at 3.18pm yesterday.

Volunteers launched the Shannon class lifeboat Agnes AP Barr into the aftermath of Storm Agnes.

In force six weather conditions with wind gusting up to 40mph from the south-west, the crew established a tow to the unmanned vessel and proceeded to tow the stricken yacht back to the safety of Invergordon’s West Harbour.

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The crew later posted on social media: "This also marks the first call out for trainee Martin, who recently undertook his Crew Emergency Procedures at the RNLI college in Poole."

The boat was washed, refuelled and made ready for service by 6.30pm.

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