Emergency services on alert after breakdown

A salmon workboat was heading to Lerwick under her own steam this afternoon after breaking down two miles from Fitful head just before 11am.

Shetland Coastguard put out a broadcast and the Aith lifeboat was alerted and put to sea to assist the Northern Viking, which suffered main engine failure. The coastguard rescue helicopter, out on as training flight, was also alerted.

The nearby fishing boats Radiant Star and Alison Kay responded with Alison Kay standing by and the Radiant Star hauling her gear and attempting to take the workboat under tow. Just as the trawler came alongside, the salmon boat managed to restart her engines and the emergency services were later stood down.

Coastguards continued to monitor Northern Viking as she made her way up the east side and she was expected into Lerwick before 5pm.