Lifeboat crew receives 'courageous' rescue honour
An Orkney lifeboat crew has been honoured by the RNLI for rescuing a yacht in treacherous seas.
Kirkwall second coxswain Stewart Ryrie and the crew aided the three crew on the 40ft Norwegian-registered yacht Inanna in a nine-hour rescue operation off Stronsay in October.
The Thanks of the Institution on Vellum is the RNLI's fourth highest gallantry award.
The awards were made at the RNLI's Scottish annual meeting in Perth.
Wave Crookes, divisional inspector for the RNLI in Scotland, said: "Second coxswain Stewart Ryrie and his crew faced difficult and dangerous conditions during the rescue of the Inanna and her crew, they are more than worthy of these awards.
"Stewart showed exemplary leadership, courage, determination and exemplary boat handling.
"The lifeboat crew were a credit to the RNLI, showing courage and a great fighting spirit ensuring a successful outcome."