The RNLI Kirkcudbright and Kippford Lifeboats were launched in very squally weather conditions on Saturday 29 August at 11.30 am. They went to the aid of the yacht the ‘Rising Star’ with three people on board.

The initial distress call to Liverpool Coastguard was from a mobile phone but due to a very poor signal it was understood to be a small fishing boat with one person on board with engine failure. No exact position was given by the yacht but it was thought to be west of Robin Rigg wind farm and south of Little Ross island. After an initial search in that area Kirkcudbright requested the assistance of the Kippford lifeboat to commence a wider search.

A yacht was eventually sighted south of Heston and on arrival alongside it was confirmed that this was the casualty. The yacht had only just been purchased and several pieces of equipment had failed. Once located the yacht was safely towed into Kippford.

The Lifeboat Operations Managers from both Kippford and Kirkcudbright praised the excellent teamwork that had taken place between the two RNLI lifeboats and the coastguards, resulting in a very good outcome. This was the third time Kirkcudbright Lifeboat had been launched during this week.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Christine Collins, Lifeboat Press Officers for Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Station on 01557 331475 or Rachel Martin, Media Relations Manager Scotland on 07786 668903 or ramartin@rnli.org.uk  or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.