Draconian action taken as no solution could be found

A vital lifeboat station has been suspended because volunteer crew members can’t get on with each other.

Peterhead Lifeboat has been axed by the RNLI because of “personal rivalries.”

The charity said it had exhausted all attempts to provide a solution, including mediation, and that the only option was to close the station as safety was at risk.

Instead cover will be provided by crews in Fraserburgh and Aberdeen.

A spokesman said: "This action is a last resort and follows many attempts to tackle a lack of mutual trust, good communication and teamwork among the crew which has become so serious that the station is no longer capable of operating safely and effectively.

"The RNLI has put much time and resource into trying to support the volunteer crew and tackle the problems at Peterhead lifeboat station, including dedicated staff support and the use of a trained mediator

"The RNLI has previously met with, and written to, some of those concerned to explain the type of behavioural changes that need to be made.

"Unfortunately, some crew members have been unable to work together to put the lifesaving service before their own personal rivalries and historic disagreements, resulting in the decision that they can no longer remain as part of the crew."

Peterhead Lifeboat Station was established in 2006 after a donation from the Robertson Trust.