Peterhead lifeboat crew praised for Cruden Bay rescue

An RNLI crew have been recognised in parliament for helping to rescue two sailors from a capsized catamaran off the coast of Cruden Bay.

Scottish Conservative north-east MSP Liam Kerr has asked the Scottish Parliament to commend Peterhead RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew who helped two people to safety after they capsized on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Kerr has also praised crews on a NorthLink ferry as well as a fishing boat who also helped in the rescue.

The Peterhead RNLI crew transported the sailors back to shore while the catamaran was towed into Cruden Bay by the fishing vessel.

Mr Kerr said: “The outcome for the two sailors may have been far worse without the swift actions of the Peterhead RNLI team as well as those on the ferry and fishing boat.

“They all showed outstanding bravery in what was a precarious situation.

“Teams including our RNLI continue to do exceptional work on our waters and they deserve recognition in the Scottish Parliament for this.

“As a regular sailor in the North Sea I have long held membership of the RNLI.

“These brave men and women give me the reassurance I need but incredibly they are all volunteers.

“I know they’d be pleased with more support or people joining this fantastic charity.

“Our lifeboat crews do an extraordinary job and are on call 24 hours a day regardless of the circumstances and this should always be commended.

“My thoughts go to the sailors during this incident and I wish them a speedy recovery.”