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Invergordon RNLI lifeboat rescuers help boat after engine failure left it standard in busy Moray Firth channel





The RNLI lifeboat approaching the RIB, which was tethered to a buoy to await rescue. Picture: Neil Ross/Invergordon RNLI.
The RNLI lifeboat approaching the RIB, which was tethered to a buoy to await rescue. Picture: Neil Ross/Invergordon RNLI.

RNLI rescuers came to the aid of a boat stranded in the middle of the busy Inner Moray Firth after engine failure.

The Invergordon lifeboat launched on Saturday at 2.37pm to reports that a six-metre rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) had broken down.

The RIB’s occupant had managed to tether the boat to the Craigmee buoy until assistance could arrive.

The six strong volunteer crew of Invergordon’s Shannon class lifeboat made best speed after spending the morning and early afternoon doing a navigation exercise and emergency drills in the Cromarty Firth, arriving on scene around 25 minutes from the tasking request.

The RIB under tow back to Fortrose bay. Picture: Neil Ross/Invergordon RNLI.
The RIB under tow back to Fortrose bay. Picture: Neil Ross/Invergordon RNLI.

“The crew [of the lifeboat] managed to come alongside the stranded RIB and transfer the sole occupant on to the lifeboat to be checked over while a crew member was placed on the RIB, as due to the location and nature it was decided the safest course of action would be to tow the vessel back to its mooring in Fortrose bay with the accompaniment of the famous Moray Firth dolphins,” said an RNLI spokesperson.

“The lifeboat brought the vessel along side its mooring and stood by until the owner was safely back ashore.”

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