New boat lift proves its worth at Lochinver

The new boat lift at Lochinver Harbour was pressed into service only hours after Harbours Staff of The Highland Council were trained in its use to rescue the damaged fishing vessel “Fortitude” UL 48 on Thursday evening (16 August).

The “Fortitude” had struck rocks and was taking water off Lochinver during the afternoon of the 16 August. The Lochinver Lifeboat was called out immediately and attended to the stricken vessel which was close to sinking. Using a high volume pump the Lifeboat crew prevented the water rising further, however could not get ahead and a second pump had to be delivered to the vessel by HM Coastguard helicopter.

With both pumps running, the “Fortitude” was taken under tow by the Lochinver Lifeboat and returned to Lochinver Harbour around 6pm, where it was recovered and lifted from the water by the new boatlift.

The new boat lift, supplied by “Sublift AB” of Sweden, was joint funded by The Highland Council and LEADER and had had only been delivered the previous week. Highland Council Harbours staff - who had only just undergone training in its operation when the emergency arose - managed to lift the vessel to safety up the purpose built slipway, preventing further damage and perhaps loss of the vessel.