| No 4/2020 Date 6/3/2020 01:40 - 05:10 ALB Anstruther's All-Weather lifeboat, the Kingdom of Fife, was requested to launch by the UK Coastguard early this morning (Friday 6 March) to a lone person on a fishing vessel which had suffered a burst fuel pump. The lifeboat reached the vessel at around 02.10 am. With only one person on board, it was decided that a tow back to Anstruther would be most suitable for the circumstances. The lifeboat and casualty vessel safely returned to Anstruther harbour just after 5am. Due to tidal restraints, the lifeboat was moored in Anstruther harbour to remain on service and was recovered at 8am. |  ALB towing the stricken FV. ( click to Zoom |
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ALB took the casualty in tow proceeding to Pittenweem. Coxswain requested assistance from Dunbar ALB because of the tonnage of the vessel, the worsening weather forecast and tidal situation at Pittenweem.
Dunbar arrived on scene 0425hrs and 2nd Cox transferred to Dunbar to assist with detailed local knowledge of Pittenweem Harbour. Decisions were taken by both coxswains to abort Pittenweem (0450hrs) and set a slow pace for Methil due to tidal restrictions, FTN & Forth Ports consulted regarding weather and tidal heights. Both boats dodged off Methil in freshening winds until sufficient water to enter. Dunbar was towing with Anstruther set up as a brake with a bridle across the casualty's stern, the casualty was safely tied up in Methil with the Forth Ports Deputy Harbour Master Leanne Taylor in attendance. ALB returned to Anstruther at 1300hrs but had to wait for the tide to reduce, crew recalled at 1630hrs and rehoused in fresh conditions, notified for service at 1810hrs Conditions Weather Rain/Hail Visibility Fair Wind Force 3 Gentle breeze deteriorating to strong gale 9 Wind direction SW Sea state Slight |
