East Sutherland Rescue Association calls for recognition that the service is not part of the RNLI
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Saving the crew of a broken down fishing vessel has proved a costly experience for a group of Sutherland rescuers, who have now appealed for more support from the community.
Members of Dornoch-based independent lifeboat group East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) braved rough seas of more than 6ft waves and other difficulties, including darkness and poor communications, to go to the aid of the stricken boat, which had anchored close inshore at Loth Bay.
But the four-hour rescue last Tuesday week has highlighted the identity crisis and cash issues that has affected the charity.
For it is often mistaken for being part of the well-funded RNLI.
The ESRA – which covers 55 miles of the East Sutherland coast – will next year celebrate the 40th anniversary of its formation.
It already costs £25,000-a-year to run and moving to a new £450,000 boathouse next summer will increase the costs.
Work on the new facility – which will replace an unheated shed with no changing area or running hot and cold water – will start in a few weeks.
The new boathouse will also see the organisation upgrade from a five-metre rigid inflatable craft to a seven-metre boat, costing £85,000.
The new boathouse cost has been fully funded but not yet the upgraded lifeboat.
Last week's rescue saw the four-man crew suffer bruises and abrasions as they were battered by the conditions. But it also saw one member need a new suit costing £400 to £500 because of the wear and tear. More than £70 of fuel was also burned.
It was ESRA's fifth call-out since lockdown.
Neil Dalton, chairman of ESRA, said the charity received no regular grant funding.
"It's very difficult sometimes. We rescue people and they say they will make a donation – to the RNLI. That's very good of them, but we are not the RNLI, and it will not help us," he said.
"The larger boat and boathouse will need new equipment, but will allow us to expand what we do with such things as training and running sea safety courses.
"We would just like some recognition from the community and local businesses. There are still some people in East Sutherland that don't know we exist. We have 17 members – and there's hidden costs for them, especially those who have to give up work to help on call-outs etc.
"Now and again some members have to put their hands in their own pockets to cover things like kit. We are just asking for a bit more help and recognition of our service to the community."
On board the last rescue with Mr Dalton were Gareth Dixon, Neil Ackroyd and Hugh Fullerton Smith.
Standing by at Glen Loth were the RNLI Wick lifeboat and a second, larger, Helmsdale-based fishing vessel. But neither were able to approach the boat because of the bay’s shallow water and rocky reef.
Rescuers decided the ESRA's smaller Glen Cassley would tow the boat out of the bay and into deeper water. The tow would then be taken over by Wick lifeboat.
The fishing vessel was taken to Helmsdale harbour by the Wick lifeboat.
"It was a tricky rescue not helped by communication problems switching between Aberdeen and Shetland coastguards," said Mr Dalton.
"It was testing sea conditions and we suffered a few bruises and abrasions. We did not get back until just before 11pm and to a cold boathouse. The new boathouse will be a much-needed upgrade."
