Boat rescued in thick fog near Scotland's largest offshore wind farm off the coast of Montrose

A fishing vessel which lost power near Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm was rescued by lifeboat crews during thick fog.

Volunteers from Montrose RNLI launched in the early hours of Friday to assist a vessel that had lost power approximately 21 nautical miles off the coast of Montrose.

The all-weather lifeboat ‘RNLB Brianne Aldington’ was tasked at 3.10am after being alerted by by HM Coastguard.

Lifeboat crews launched within 12 minutes of the initial page, departing from Montrose Harbour where visibility was “severely reduced”.

Montrose RNLI launched to drifting fishing boat near offshore wind farm. RNLI

Crews were unable to see Scurdyness Lighthouse or nearby navigation buoys, but conditions improved around five nautical miles offshore.

The casualty vessel had suffered engine failure and was drifting just one nautical mile from the Seagreen offshore wind farm – the largest in Scotland.

The Coxswain assessed the situation and determined that undertaking a tow was the safest and most effective way to assist the casualty.

A towline was successfully established at 4.40am, and a slow tow back to Montrose Harbour commenced.

During the return journey, conditions changed again, and as the lifeboat approached Montrose, the crew encountered thick fog, requiring careful navigation back into harbour.

The vessel was brought safely into the port at approximately 8am, where, with the support of HM Coastguard, the casualty vessel was safely secured in the harbour.

Jim Candy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Montrose, said: “Our volunteer crew launched in the early hours and made best speed to reach the vessel. With the fishing boat drifting close to the wind farm, the decision to establish a tow was the safest option.

“The crew then carried out a steady tow back to Montrose, ensuring the vessel was brought safely into harbour and handed over to HM Coastguard.

“We’re pleased to have been able to assist and bring the situation to a safe conclusion.”

The call-out involved a full volunteer crew from RNLI Montrose, supported by shore crew and station personnel.