The RNLI tackled 30m high waves on Wednesday morning to help a fishing vessel that had been battered by stormy weather near Orkney.

Shetland Coastguard received a DSC distress call from the 33m boat which was 20 nautical miles
west-north-west of Westray at around 5.30am.

The O’Genita, which had 16 people onboard, had one of its bridge windows smashed in and some of their equipment had been damaged in the adverse weather conditions.

Wind speeds in the area were force 7 at the time, with squally showers and lightning.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “Shetland Coastguard told the vessel to alter course and
head for shelter off Westray.

“The RNLI all-weather lifeboat from Stromness was sent to the scene to assist. As a precaution, the coastguard helicopter from Sumburgh stood by at Westray airport and the Westray Coastguard Rescue Team was also alerted.”

The O’Genita was escorted by the lifeboat and was brought safely alongside at Pierowall in
Westray just before midday.

Wednesday’s incident came after Met Office forecaster’s warned that winds of up to 80mph and “exceptionally high waves” would be affecting large parts of Britain.

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