Update: Lifeboat crew respond to rescue call at Sumburgh

Lerwick lifeboat crew went to the aid of the fishing boat, Maggie Paterson.

The two-man crew of a fishing vessel are safe and well after the Lerwick lifeboat were called out to their aid Saturday evening.

Fishing boat Maggie Paterson was taking on water when off Sumburgh Head and made a distress call to the coastguard for help.

Lerwick lifeboat launched at 5.15pm to go to the aid of a seven-metre vessel

Lerwick Lifeboat launched and in calm sea conditions averaged around 25 knots to reach the vessel just
after 6pm.

The vessel had taken on water but still had engine power and the skipper was able to make her way unaided to the Pool of Virkie.

Lifeboat crew were able to pass a salvage pump aboard to help reduce the volume of water below deck.

Once the water level had fallen, it became clear that a hose clip from a pump had failed, leading to the rising water level.

The vessel had run aground at low tide on a sand near Ness Boating Club and is likely
to refloat on the next high tide.

Coastguard rescue teams and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

Sea conditions were good, with a calm winds and an air temperature of around 13
degrees Celsius.

The lifeboat stood down at 7.30pm and returned to Lerwick Harbour around 8.30pm to
refuel and made ready for service.

Coxswain Stephen Manson said: “Despite the calm sea conditions, this could have been a different outcome with the vessel taking on water in open seas near Sumburgh Head.

“We’re glad that the vessel was able to make her way to the relative safety of the Pool of Virkie and that the two crew on board are unharmed.

“We were able to assist with a salvage pump and the skipper did the right thing by calling the Coastguard as soon as they realised they needed assistance. ”

The crew is now being looked after by the local boating club.