Dramatic video shows RNLI Peterhead rescue of fishing boat just seconds away from crashing on to rocks

Peterhead Lifeboat launched in treacherous conditions to rescue a 160 tonne fishing vessel which was seconds away from crashing into the rocks at the town’s breakwater.

The alarm was raised at 4.30pm when one fishing vessel was towing another into Peterhead Harbour and the tow broke due to stormy conditions.

The video, from RNLI Peterhead, shows the heroic effort by volunteers to rescue the vessel that was just seconds away from crashing.

Tasked by HM Coastguard, Peterhead’s Tamar-class lifeboat, The Misses Robertson of Kintail, launched and the volunteers were on scene within minutes.

Peterhead Lifeboat rescue fishing vessel.

The vessel was dangerously close to crashing into the rocks at Peterhead South Breakwater and due to an easterly gale and significant swell combined with a backwash.

When the lifeboat arrived on the scene the conditions were “challenging”.

The crew established a tow at the first attempt and brought the fishing vessel and its crew back to safety.

This incident was Patrick Davidson’s first shout as Coxswain, he said: “This was a really tremendous effort by the crew showing great teamwork and seamanship by all involved in really difficult conditions.

Peterhead Lifeboat rescue fishing vessel.

"If we had arrived seconds later the boat would have hit the rocks and it may have been a different outcome.

“As soon as I saw how close she was to the rocks I immediately requested the helicopter - due to the perilous situation I realised we only had one attempt to get this right.

“The crew and the skipper of the boat could not thank the lifeboat enough and said they’d be forever grateful which makes all the effort worthwhile.”

Jurgen Wahle, Lifeboat Operations Manager, commended the crew for their quick and crucial efforts to save lives at sea, he said: “This was really a phenomenal performance by all

Peterhead Lifeboat rescue fishing vessel.

involved, showcasing great leadership from Pat on his first shout as Coxswain and excellent teamwork from the rest of the crew.

“This was a critical incident and the effort from everyone on shore and at sea has resulted in five lives being saved. It is a tremendous outcome, and I’d like to commend the bravery displayed by the crew.”

RNLI Volunteer Crew members remain on call 365 days of the year, even in the current lockdown, to man the coasts and waters.

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