Fouled propeller prompts low-tide Portmahomack shout for East Sutherland Rescue Association

A LOW tide presented an additional challenge to a rescue team called out to Easter Ross yesterday.

The East Sutherland Rescue Association team was called by the Coastguard to assist an anchored vessel with a fouled propeller.

The shout at 8.32am yesterday was to a vessel around three miles south of Portmahomack.

The Glen Cassley was launched at 8.55am and arrived on scene at 9.15am.

The stricken vessel was towed to within 500 metres of Portmahomack harbour, but owing to the low tide conditions, had to be anchored again. The team went to Portmahomack harbour to check water depth but found that the tide was completely out, so returned to inform the skipper of the vessel.

At 10.45am, the team used boat hooks and a knife to cut the fouling rope from the propeller. The vessel skipper was asked to check forward and reverse gears, which were both fine.

The Coastguard was informed and the team stood down at 11.10am with the Glen Cassley returned to Dornoch beach 20 minutes later.

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