Engine failure IN A STRONG north-north-easterly gale, force 9, and snow showers, the skipper of the Fraserburgh fishing vessel, John Scott, contacted Shetland coastguard at 1945 on Wednesday April 24, 1985 to report that his engine had failed and he was drifting towards the shore, one anda half nautical miles north north east of Muckle Flugga off the northern tip of Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Isles.

The honorary secretary of Lerwick lifeboat was informed and by 1957 the station's 52ft Arun class lifeboat, Soldian, was heading out on service, Coxswain Hewitt Clark at the helm. The lifeboat immediately encountered the north-north-easterly gale, force 8, and a moderate sea. She was able to maintain full speed, however, until she reached Funzie Ness when the coxswain had occasionally to adjust his speed for the larger seas.

At 2040 a coastguard helicopter which had also gone to the aid of John Scott arrived on scene. The fishing vessel was streaming her trawl doors which appeared to be holding her in position.

Another fishing vessel, Accord, which had been close by was now approaching the casualty and on arrival, at 2123, passed a towline to John Scott. Four minutes later the tow parted, partially fouling Accord's propeller. This forced her to stand off to try to clear it.

The fishing boat Radiant Way, also in the vicinity, was now steaming towards the casualty to help. She was alongsideat 2206 and a tow was soon established.

Meanwhile Accord had cleared her propeller and was standing off. The tow first headed out to sea, clear of the shore, and then turned south towards Balta Sound harbour.

Lerwick lifeboat had by now been on passage for some three hours heading into the force 9 strong gale with snow showers, a rough sea and 15ft swell. At Lamba Ness the lifeboat waited, dodging the seas, while the tow rounded the north east tip of Unst. She then escorted the two fishing vessels safely into Balta Sound.

At 0012 on April 25 the lifeboat began her long passage back to Lerwick at full speed. She arrived back at 0230, some six and a half hours after setting out. Sinceshe came on station in 1978 this was the furthest north Soldian had been called upon to operate.

Following this service a letter of appreciation, signed by the director, Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, was sent to Coxswain/Mechanic Hewitt Clark, Acting Second Coxswain Ian Fraser, Assistant Mechanic Peter Thomson and Crew Members Alexander Lamont, Richard Simpson and Ian Anderson..