Longhope Lifeboat requested to stand by ferry

Longhope Lifeboat was called out on Sunday morning after the ferry Hoy Head broke down shortly after leaving Longhope Pier.

The lifeboat crew were paged just before 9am after the ferry suffered a mechanical breakdown shortly after leaving it’s berth at the pier. The ferry crew dropped anchor and the lifeboat was requested to stand by as a precautionary measure.

Once the mechanical problem was rectified and the boat was able get back underway, the vessel was escorted out of Longhope Bay by the lifeboat, which then returned to station and was back ready for service by 10.20am.

Longhope RNLI deputy coxswain Colin Bates said: “Sea conditions were good, the ferry was safely at anchor and the ferry crew were able to deal with the breakdown and get going again. Fortunately we are stationed close by and were on scene in minutes and prepared to assist if necessary.”