Firing a flare “was the right thing to do”
18/06/2020
The owner of a creel boat in trouble in Scotland “did the right thing” by firing a flare to signal for help.
A marine distress signal was launched by the creel boat owner, off Buchanhaven coast, one afternoon in mid-June.
The UK Coastguard asked Peterhead Lifeboat to assist after the orange flares were seen.
The Tamar-class lifeboat The Misses Robertson of Kintail was launched and spotted two creels. One of the boats had got into difficulty and let off a handheld flare. The other boat was towing it.
The lifeboat escorted the creels safely back to Peterhead Harbour.
Martyn Simpson, Coxswain Mechanic at Peterhead Lifeboat, says, “The boat owner did the right thing by using a flare, it meant that we could be there swiftly and escort both boats back to safety.
“I would encourage anyone who is taking to the water to be prepared and carry a flare or other means to call for help and attract attention.”
The image of the volunteer crew at Peterhead Lifeboat is courtesy of RNLI/Stacey Lynch.
Find out how liferaft flares helped save lives
