Watch: New Macduff lifeboat launched

It was funded by a donation from the Skipasund Foundation.

By Chris Cromar

June 10 2023, 10:39 pm

Macduff’s new lifeboat B-933 Skipasund has been inaugurated at a naming ceremony and service of dedication hosted by the town’s RNLI today.

It was a special day for the Aberdeenshire town, as local dignitaries, volunteers and members of the public welcomed the lifesaving vessel to its fleet.

Volunteers from the RNLI in Buckie and Fraserburgh were present at the event, as were representatives from the town’s coastguard and those from across the north-east.

RNLI Macduff's senior helmsman Chassey Findlay standing beside the new boat. — RNLI Macduff’s senior helmsman Chassey Findlay with the new boat. Image: Duncan Brown.

The boat was named B-933 Skipasund after a donation was received by entrepreneur Haraldur Agustsson’s Skipasund Foundation, whose purpose is to “support UK national charities”, with a particular focus on “improving public safety”.

After the naming ceremony, which included speeches from Aberdeenshire Provost Judy Whyte, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson and Neil Sinclair from Skipasund Foundation, a service of dedication took place.

Rev. Hugh O'Brien reads the service of dedication from a lectern. — Rev. Hugh O’Brien reads the service of dedication. Image: Duncan Brown.

This was conducted by Macduff Parish Church minister the Rev. Hugh O’Brien, with the new lifeboat then being launched from Macduff harbour.

Here it was put through its paces with lifeboats from Buckie and Fraserburgh, including Douglas Currie.

The new lifeboat was put through its paces by ones from Buckie and Fraserburgh. Image: Duncan Brown.

It then travelled back to the lifeboat station, where members of the public viewed the boat and were able to see and get pictures with it.

B-933 Skipasund arrived in the town on May 31 after undergoing sea trials and is joined by RNLI Macduff’s relief boat B-906 Charles Lucock, with it escorting it back to the station.