newsSeptember 30, 2016 at 10:47 am

The Orkney trawler Russa Taign arrived safely alongside Hatston Pier shortly before 10am this morning, towed by the Coastguard emergency towing vessel Herakles.

The fishing boat lost power around 12 miles off of Noup Head, Westray, in gale force eight winds last night.

Stromness Lifeboat headed for the scene in the rough conditions, leaving harbour at 6.30pm. The Kirkwall based Herakles also headed to the vessel, as did the local trawler Keila.

According to the Stromness RNLI the lifeboat arrived alongside the Russa Taign at 8.15pm and stood by.

At 11pm the tug arrived on the scene and was joined shortly afterwards by the Keila.

The Keila attached a wire tow to the disabled vessel and began the tow. The Coastguard then asked the lifeboat to return to Stromness.

Shortly afterwards the tow broke and the tug took over the towing operation.

The lifeboat returned at reduced speed to make sure it didn’t arrive at the entrance to Hoy Sound in dangerous conditions with full ebb ride against westerly wind and swell, entering Stromness Harbour at 3.45am.

Meanwhile the Herakles towing the Russa Taign travelled through Westray Firth, east of Shapinsay and into Kirkwall Bay, before arriving alongside Hatston Pier.

The OIC Marine Services pilot boat Kirkwall Bay escorted the vessel into the pier.