Lifeboat called out to tow in motor boat

Stromness RNLI crew were called out by the Coastguard at 8.45pm last night to assist a small motor boat in trouble in Scapa Flow.

The boat with two crew aboard had suffered engine failure between the Barrel of Butter and Cava.

The sea conditions were choppy with a northerly wind gusting over 30 knots. The boat had managed to anchor but was in danger of being swept onto the shore on Cava, said a lifeboat spokesman.

The lifeboat approached the vessel and put a crew member aboard, who then fastened a tow and cast off the anchor.

The boat was then towed back to Stromness and was met by the local Coastguard Rescue Team, who helped to moor the vessel in the shelter of the harbour.