A new Tayside lifeboat made a splash on its first day of operation after being called into action minutes before it was officially launched.
The Class D David A. Kennedy inshore lifeboat at Montrose Harbour debuted before its official dedication after two members of the town’s sailing club became disorientated in the heavy fog which smothered Montrose Basin on Saturday afternoon.
Dignitaries were gathered at the harbour to witness the staged launch of the new vessel but got to see the boat dive into real-time action before it was officially christened.
The incident happened during a small-scale regatta held by Montrose Sailing Club at the basin.
The thick fog led to an official race being cancelled but the gathered adult members were still offered the chance to go out onto the water for a smaller run.
Five vessels and the club’s safety boat took to the basin during a period of improved visibility, but two dinghies were isolated when a thick blanket of mist returned without warning.
The new lifeboat crew were alerted after attempts by members of the club to signal the boats back in were unsuccessful, and all parties were towed back to shore in their dinghies by the new lifeboat and a crew from HM Coastguard Montrose.
RNLI Guild vice-chairman Joe Wishart said: “We thought we were just getting a display of how the boat works but then realised it was actually being called out.
“We do these events because we know how vital the lifeboat is, but then we saw it in action and it just brings it all home to you.
“The service was delayed a bit, because you can’t launch a boat if it’s not there, but we were just delighted that everyone was returned to shore safely.”
Kathy Locke, club commodore at Montrose Sailing Club, said it was the first time in the club’s 50 years that the lifeboat had to be called to assist in an event.
“We have very clear procedures at the club and our paramount concern is always the safety of our members,” said Ms Locke.
“We have a great working relationship with the RNLI team at Montrose and in normal circumstances the safety boat would have towed the members in.”