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Yesterday's callout was to a powerboat that had broken down just south of Horn Rock and needed a tow back to Gulf Harbour.

The vessel was a relatively heavy 7.5m diesel powered one, and they weren't members. Ops had figured out we could probably tow them back at a better speed than the smaller rescue boats given sea conditions were getting a bit grumpy.

As most of our team were still at work at 1500 on a Friday, some coercion was required to get a full complement of crew, but once sorted, we headed east for 28 NM, carefully working our way through a huge gannet and dolphin banquet, and found the boat bobbing around on anchor.

Given the bumpy conditions, some good helm and hook coordination was demonstrated to get them hooked on the tow line on the first attempt. Then we took a bit of strain while the anchor was retrieved from 50+m of water.

The slow beat into a 35knot Sou'wester began. The 1.5 - 2m close chop meant we couldn't exceed 7 knots for the first few hours of the 33 NM trip back. As the tide slackened we got some shelter from land, and were able to pick the speed up as we approached Tiri channel. I'm sure there isn't a cobweb left on our roof!

Once at Gulf Harbour Marina, we were able to push them onto their airberth and have a quick break, before returning home.

Unfortunately, the rough trip back had also seen their large, fish-filled chilly bin break loose on the stern and flip over so that the trip's catch was returned to the briny - just to add insult to injury.

Another 18NM to get home and we'd done about 79 NM for the 7 hour round trip.

Thanks to crew of Bruce R, Len, Neale & Nick, plus Al for deflating us and sorting out the airberth while we were gone.