RNLI rescue gets a hand from dad

AN emergency call-out to go to the aid of a sinking fishing boat turned into a family affair for the head of Dunbar's RNLI lifeboat.

Coxswain Gary Fairbairn, along with the rest of his crew, were scrambled to attend a trawler in distress on Sunday - only to discover his father had beaten him to it.

The first boat to go to the aid of the vessel in distress was a trawler owned by the coxswain's father, David Fairbairn.

The lifeboat had been asked by coastguards to rescue the South Shields-based Frem and its three-man crew after its skipper put out a mayday saying an engine problem had left water pouring into the boat.

Mr Fairbairn said: "When we got there my father's boat Bright Ray was standing by in case he was needed.

"He was going to act as a brake as we towed the Frem into Eyemouth but in the event he was not needed but we were grateful to him for staying with us during the operation."

The rescue started at 9.30am on Sunday morning meaning the lifeboat crew were missing from their usual role at Dunbar's Remembrance Sunday Service.