Wick RNLI Lifeboat Launched To Assist Round Britain Rower

17th April 2024

Wick RNLI lifeboat the Roy Barker II was launched at 7:15pm on Sunday 14 April to go to the assistance of a round Britain rower.

The rower had successfully passaged through the Pentland Firth and was making his way down the east coast towards Freswick when there was a change of wind direction which made getting around the headland against both wind and tide very difficult.

At this point the rower decided to ask for assistance.

Wick RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene at 8pm and due to the casualty vessel's location, the lifeboat launched the daughter XP boat to reach the vessel in the shallow water.

Weather conditions on scene were described as force 6 with a 2-3 knot tide.

The decision was made by the coxswain to take the vessel under tow and return it to Wick harbour.

The rower was quoted as saying he wished to thank the RNLI crew from Wick for their great assistance.

Wick lifeboat station has been operating since 1848. To learn more about the lifeboat station go HERE