Longhope Lifeboat called to drifting boat in Scapa Flow

Longhope Lifeboat was launched at the request of the Coastguard last night, Wednesday, after a boat was spotted drifting in Scapa Flow.

It was a very quick departure as the crew were already assembled for their weekly crew training exercise and just about to board the lifeboat when their pagers went off.

They were tasked to search for a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that had been sighted drifting towards Holm.

The lifeboat located the RIB and confirmed that there were no people aboard. It was identified as belonging to Scottish Sea Farms.

The rib was then towed to Holm Pier and made secure. Kirkwall Coastguard Rescue Team was waiting and intended to contact the owners.

The lifeboat then headed home and was back at station by 9.30pm refuelled and made ready again for service.

This as the first shout for the crew since being supplied with their brand new all-weather kit provided by Helly Hansen, which recently won the RNLI contract, with the crew pleased with the new kit.