RNLI Arbroath call outs increasing

THE RNLI’s second oldest station in Scotland has already carried out more rescue missions this year than the total number of launches in the whole of last year, it was revealed today.

Arbroath RNLI lifeboat in action. Picture: submitted

Volunteers at the RNLI’s Arbroath station in Angus carried out their 50th launch of the year on Tuesday, eclipsing the number of launches throughout the whole of 2012.

An RNLI spokesman said: “The latest launch saw inshore lifeboat Robert Fergusson assist a 20ft vessel with two people on board which had broken down approximately one mile off Arbroath harbour. A request for assistance was received from HM Coastguard approximately 1.30pm and the volunteer RNLI crew were on scene shortly after.

“The lifeboat crew fixed a towline and the stricken boat was towed safely back to harbour.”

He added: “2013 has certainly been a busy year, already eclipsing the number of launches throughout the whole of 2012.”

Alex Smith, the lifeboat operations manager at Arbroath, said ‘It’s really an indication of how busy our waters are becoming. Although we’ve seen a decline in commercial operations the number of people taking to the water for leisure purposes is growing all the time. Of course as the sea becomes more popular, there will inevitably be an increase in the number of incidents that require lifeboat assistance.

“We have a beautiful coastline in this area and it’s fantastic that so many people are attracted to it. However, it can be dangerous so we encourage anyone who is taking to the water or spending time along the shoreline to make sure they understand sea safety and take all necessary precautions to ensure the risk is minimised.”

The Arbroath Lifeboat Station is the second oldest in Scotland and was first established in 1803.