Volunteer crew secure yacht after four‑hour operation off Orkney East Mainland
Kirkwall’s RNLI volunteers responded to a pager alert at 16:00 on Sunday 9 August and successfully towed an 8‑metre yacht into Kirkwall marina after taking the casualty under control northeast of Mull Head, off the East Mainland of Orkney.
The inshore lifeboat, RNLB Margaret Foster, was launched to assist the vessel during a period of squally showers and fresh westerly winds of about 22 knots. Despite rough conditions with swells reported between 2 and 2.5 metres, visibility remained good and the volunteer crew were able to carry out a controlled boarding and establish a tow.
Station coxswain Stewart Ryrie said the yacht’s crew had acted appropriately by making an early call for assistance when they noticed water ingress. The Kirkwall lifeboat was underway shortly after the pager alert, with the crew departing within minutes and arriving on scene to assess and stabilise the casualty vessel.
“The yacht crew did the right thing in making an early call for assistance when they saw water coming in. The volunteer lifeboat crew responded very quickly to their pager request, and we had the boat underway by 4.10pm,” said Stewart Ryrie.
Two volunteer crew members boarded the yacht to secure it for towing. The operation required careful seamanship as the lifeboat towed the 8m yacht through Shapinsay Sound and across the approach to Kirkwall harbour. The casualty vessel and all personnel aboard were reported safe and well when secured at the marina at 20:25. The lifeboat was stood down and ready for further service by 20:33.
Local context and the role of volunteers
The incident underlines the continuous 24/7 cover provided by volunteer lifeboat stations around Scotland. Kirkwall Lifeboat Station operates within the RNLI’s Scotland lifesaving region and depends on volunteer crew and local fundraising to maintain availability.
- Call received: 16:00, 9 August 2026 (pager alert from Shetland Coastguard)
- Conditions: westerly winds ≈ 22 knots; swell 2–2.5 metres; good visibility
- Outcome: yacht secured at Kirkwall marina 20:25; lifeboat ready again 20:33
The RNLI highlighted broader figures for Scotland to place the Kirkwall call‑out in context: lifeboat crews saved 36 lives in 2024 and aided a further 881 people during that year, demonstrating the cumulative impact of volunteer rescue services across coastal communities.
Operational detail and safety message
Onshore observers and maritime users in the area witnessed the relief of the casualty vessel being brought safely alongside the marina. The successful boarding, attachment of a towline and controlled passage in choppy water reflected routine procedures rehearsed by volunteer crews, and the incident offers a timely reminder of the value of early distress calls and good preparation at sea.
While no injuries were reported, the episode reinforces standard safety messages for recreational sailors in Orkney waters: keep a close watch on weather developments, make prompt contact with the coastguard if conditions deteriorate, and ensure lifesaving and communications equipment is carried and maintained.
The RNLI is a charity that provides lifeboat and flood rescue services and relies on volunteers, donations and fundraising to operate. The Kirkwall station’s response on Sunday is the latest example of volunteer activity sustaining safety around the Orkney coastline.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel assisted | 8‑metre yacht |
| Assisting lifeboat | RNLB Margaret Foster (Kirkwall) |
| Incident location | NE of Mull Head, off East Mainland of Orkney |
| Times | Pager alert 16:00; underway by 16:10; secured at marina 20:25; lifeboat ready 20:33 |
| Conditions | Westerly ~22 knots; swell 2–2.5 m; visibility good |
No injuries were reported and the RNLI encouraged anyone who witnesses or experiences trouble at sea to contact the coastguard without delay so volunteer crews can be mobilised as required.
