Longhope Lifeboat in Scapa Flow rescue

Longhope Lifeboat was called out shortly before midnight on Saturday to rescue a small vessel with engine problems in Scapa Flow.

The lifeboat was launched at 11.30 pm, just seven minutes after the crew pagers went off, with the crew locating the 14-16 foot vessel, with two people on board, in an area to the north of Hunda.

A tow was established just after midnight, with the lifeboat towing the vessel to Scapa Pier, which was reached an hour later.

The weather at the time of the incident was reported to be  force 3-5 winds, however the sea was described as being choppy in the area.

Acting Coxswain Kenny Budge said: “Due to the small size of the vessel with its associated engine problems, the boat was unable to make way.”

The RNLI said that due to one of the two people onboard the towed vessel being taken ill on reaching Scapa, Coastguard Rescue Team members at Scapa Pier arranged for his admittance to hospital.

The lifeboat was back at station, refuelled and ready for service at 2.30 am.