A sailing yacht had to be escorted back to shore last night – for the second time in 24 hours.
The Micky Vee is currently making its way to the Caledonian Canal, Inverness from Newcastle.
But at about 5.20pm yesterday, Aberdeen Coastguard received reports the 20ft yacht was struggling to sail into Stonehaven harbour.
Stonehaven lifeboat was subsequently launched and went out to meet the boat, before leading it back to dry land.
It was the second time the coastguard assisted the three-man crew, after escorting it into Arbroath harbour on Thursday.
The ship arrived back in Stonehaven at 6.20pm. Onboard was father-and-son Henry and Mick Gallimore and a family friend.
Son Mick claimed both he and his father were experienced skippers, and were making the trip because Henry was ill and had always wanted to experience sailing up the canal.
He said: “We weren’t actually in trouble, the lifeboat came out to meet us but we didn’t need to be towed in.
“We’re now going to wait here until the conditions are right, we want to take our time and enjoy it.”
A coastguard spokesman said last night: “We assisted a vessel into Stonehaven Harbour.
“The vessel was assisted into Arbroath Harbour last night, they are on their way to the Caledonian Canal.
“Stonehaven Lifeboat and local coastguard teams were both involved in the operation.”
However, Mr Gallimore denied the ship needed assistance into Arbroath Harbour.
No one from Stonehaven Lifeboat team could be reached for comment last night.