North-east lifeboat volunteers have praised a couple who “did the right thing” and called for aid when their yacht lost power.
When their vessel Juela developed fuel problems and the engine cut out near Rattray Head on the Buchan coast, Jayne and Trevor Womersley wasted no time contacting the emergency services.
The incident happened near the Rattray Head lighthouse on Monday, and Fraserburgh’s RNLI crew were alerted at 1.10pm.
Last night lifeboat coxswain Victor Sutherland said that the Womersleys “did the right thing”.
“Rattray Head isn’t the sort of place anyone would want to break down as the hundreds of seafarers and mariners who have come to grief there over the years would testify,” Mr Sutherland said.
“Its treacherous waters hide many rocks belying its often peaceful appearance and it has been the scene of numerous wrecks and rescues since records began.”
Once on the scene, the Fraserburgh volunteers were able to tow the stricken Juela to the marina in nearby Peterhead.
Although no one was injured in the incident, the RNLI crew has said the way the couple acted should be an example to others.
Mrs Womersley said she and her husband became concerned when their yacht began to drift after losing power.
“I’ve never been so relieved as I was when I saw the lifeboat speeding towards us, I knew then that everything was going to be OK,” she said.
She was also full of praise for Mr Sutherland’s “boat handling skills” and the way he was able to manoeuvre the lifeboat so close to their yacht to set up the tow and guiding them in to the marina.