Kinghorn Lifeboat called after inflatable boat runs out of fuel

Kinghorn Lifeboat was called out to help a rigid inflatable boat drifting in the main shipping channel of the Forth on Sunday.

The RNLI volunteer crew launched the lifeboat at 10.40am after the UK Coastguard received a 999 call from the vessel reporting they had run out of fuel.

The small boat was drifting in the shipping channell off Burntisland in foggy conditions, with three merchant ships approaching their location.

The lifeboat crew arrived quickly and located the vessel with four people on board.

Scott McIlravie, helm, said: “We arrived on scene within five minutes of launching and found the vessel adrift.

“The boat, which was newly purchased, had run out of fuel during a pleasure trip.

“Due to the fast approaching ships we quickly set up a tow to move the small boat to safety out of the main channel.

“The casualty managed to phone a friend who was nearby on a jet ski and they brought some fuel to the small boat.

“The engine was able to be restarted so we escorted the boat back to Burntisland bay where Kinghorn Coastguard team were waiting to assist.”

Mr McIlravie advised anyone preparing to go to sea to thoroughly check their vessel.

He added: “We would always recommend that you thoroughly check your vessel for defects and to ensure there is sufficient fuel for your trip.

“This is particularly relevant if you have not used the boat for a while and it has been out of the water.

“You should also have life jackets, suitable clothing and a means of calling for help, particularly a VHF radio.”

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