RNLI volunteer charged over death of granddad whose boat capsized during rescue

William Murray McCubbin, 60, died after his fishing boat capsized.

An RNLI volunteer has been charged over the death of a grandfather whose fishing boat capsized during a rescue operation.

William Murray McCubbin, 60, died after the vessel sank near Port William, Newton Stewart, in Dumfries and Galloway at around 4.30pm on Saturday November 19, 2022.

Mr McCubbin, better known by his middle name Murray, was taken to Galloway Community Hospital, but died shortly after.

Police have now arrested and charged a 48-year-old volunteer lifeboat crew member following an investigation which lasted 16 months.

An RNLI spokesman said: ‘An RNLI volunteer crew member has been arrested and charged following the death of a man in November 2022.

‘The RNLI is continuing to make support available to the individual, as well as to others at the lifeboat station. As this is subject to a police investigation, we cannot release any further details.’

In a statement released through law firm Digby Brown Solicitors, Mr McCubbin’s family said: ‘We welcome the update in the criminal investigation as it brings us closer to learning the truth about what happened at sea that day.

‘The loss of Murray is something that shattered our family – he was a loving partner, father and papa and there is not a day that goes by where we don’t think of him.’

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘A 48-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a man died when a boat capsized during a recovery operation in 2022.

‘The incident took place near to Port William, Newton Stewart around 4.30pm on Saturday 19 November 2022.

‘The 60-year-old man was taken to Galloway Community Hospital where he died a short time later.

‘A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.’

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