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The boat was close to the Carreg Fran rock and had suffered engine failure.  Both lifeboats were on the scene at 6.18pm, at which point the inshore lifeboat crew began setting up a tow line. 

Once this was established they commenced to take the boat under tow into Porthclais harbour where they were met by a coastguard team from St Davids.  While this was taking place the all – weather stood by and monitored the operation.

After making sure that the boat and its occupants were safely ashore, both lifeboats returned to station arriving at 7.06pm.

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Jim Phillips St Davids Lifeboat Volunteer Press Officer on 07791121039 -- 01437721532 or by email: jimphillipsrnli@hotmail.co.uk alternatively, contact Danielle Rush Public Relations Manager (Wales & the West) on 07786668829 - 01745585162 or by email: danielle_rush@rnli.org.uk

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Almost four years experience as a crewmember and all the training he had been through to pass out as a helmsman were going through Ben Langham’s head as he took charge of Ilfracombe RNLI’s inshore lifeboat for a call out for the first time yesterday. The coastguard had requested the launch of the lifeboat after a report of 4 people cut off by the tide near Lynmouth shortly before 5pm yesterday afternoon.

With Ben and two other members of crew aboard, the inshore lifeboat Deborah Brown II was soon speeding towards the location, around 35 minutes away from Ilfracombe at a speed of around 30 knots. The search and rescue helicopter from Chivenor was also tasked to the aid of the four men, who had been stranded on a rock as the tide came in, cutting them off from the beach.

The four men were winched to safety by the helicopter’s crew a few minutes before the inshore lifeboat arrived on scene, and had been handed over to the local coastguard team.

With airborne assistance from the search and rescue helicopter, Ben and his crew then conducted a shore line search from east of Lynmouth to Sillery Sands, to ensure that there were no further casualties in need of assistance, before being stood down and returning to the lifeboat station.

Reflecting on his first shout as helm, Ben was full of praise for those he was working with:

‘The search and rescue helicopter and her crew have once again proved what a great service they provide, and what an asset they are within this locality. En route to the scene I was running through the plans for a safe extraction of the casualties in my head, and the lifeboat crew and myself were fully prepared to help them from the rocks if needed.

‘As it turned out, our task was to perform a thorough search of the area, in case there were further casualties. With the tidal range of the Bristol Channel, and the speed at which the tide comes in, it is easy for people to find themselves in difficulty, especially if they don’t know the area. I would always urge people to check tide times before they set out, and to carry some form of communication with them in case of emergency.’


RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Suzie Tubby, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Ilfracombe RNLI, on 07961 317088 or email Ilfracombe@rnli.org.uk or call Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Public Relations Manager south west, on 07786 668847 or email Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk

 

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Members of the public are invited to head down to Trevaunance Cove to be shown around the lifeboat station, take a closer look at the inshore lifeboat and launching tractor and have a chat with the volunteer crew.

Also taking place on the day will be a number of training sessions based on real life scenarios involving the lifeboat crew, the shore crew (who help launch) and the RNLI lifeguards who patrol the beaches in the summer season. There will also be experts on sea safety giving advice and carrying out checks for anglers and small fishing craft.

If you have ever wanted to join the lifeboat crew or become a lifeguard, this is your chance to come down, meet the team and find out if joining the RNLI is for you.

RNLI contact
For more information, please contact Claire Watkins, St Agnes Lifeboat Press Officer -  clairebellawatkins@gmail.com or 07977 880802 or Martyn Ward, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor – martyn_ward@rnli.org.uk or 07812 733170

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The vessel had broken down with engine failure half a mile inside the Newland Island at the mouth of the Camel Estuary.

The fishing boat had managed to anchor and await the lifeboat.  Once on scene the volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew took the vessel under tow into Padstow Harbour.

Notes to editors
• Padstow lifeboat station has been operating since 1827.
• To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/padstow

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Sue Norfolk, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07816 250053 / 01841 532902 or Tamsin Thomas, Media Relations Manager South West on 07786 668847

Page Content: The vessel got into difficulties off Perranporth when fishing gear became wrapped around the vessel’s propeller.

Once on scene the volunteer lifeboat crew fixed a tow and brought the vessel back into Padstow Harbour.
 
Notes to editors
• Padstow lifeboat station has been operating since 1827.
• To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/padstow

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Sue Norfolk, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07816 250053 / 01841 532902 or Tamsin Thomas, Media Relations Manager South West on 07786 668847

Page Content: The group were onboard a converted fishing vessel that hit rocks in the Camel estuary as they headed towards Padstow harbour.

The lifeboat crew volunteers launched at 5am this morning (Monday 29 April) when reports came in that the Courageous II had gone aground and was holed and that the vessel’s crew were in immediate danger. 

Arriving on scene in just 12 minutes, volunteer RNLI Coxswain Alan Tarby skilfully bought the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Spirit of Padstow alongside the stricken vessel in very shallow waters. The four men assembled on the aft deck (back) of the converted fishing vessel and were swiftly transferred to the lifeboat.

The RNLI team then headed straight back to the lifeboat station so the survivors could be checked over by paramedics.

Michael England is the RNLI Mechanic at Padstow:

‘This was a very speedy rescue as the four men were in immediate danger with the boat literally breaking up under their feet. Fortunately thanks to Alan’s skilful boat handling in very shallow water we were able to get them off the boat and ashore in minutes and they are all well. Sadly the vessel is breaking up very quickly.  They’re regular visitors to Padstow, usually appearing for our annual Mayday celebrations, and it’s very sad to see their boat in such a terrible situation.’    

The call came just four and a half hours after the Padstow RNLI team had returned from assisting two people onboard a small yacht that had lost its rudder two miles north of Boscastle. The volunteer crew had towed the boat to safety, arriving back at their Trevose Head boathouse at half past midnight this morning.

Notes to editors
• Please find attached a library picture of the Padstow RNLI Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Spirit of Padstow. Please credit RNLI/Nigel Millard.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Public Relations Manager south west on 07786 668847 or email Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk

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The hectic week began on Monday, when the crew were requested by Aberdeen Coastguard to evacuate a sick crewmember, believed to be the ship’s captain, from the chemical tanker Clipper Sira in Kirkcaldy bay. The casualty was brought ashore to an ambulance at Kinghorn.

On Wednesday evening, a lobster fishing vessel broke down off Pathhead sands requiring a tow back to Kirkcaldy harbour, whilst on Saturday the crew attended three callouts to a disabled vessel, reports of a person in the water, and four stranded walkers on Cramond Island.

Lifeboat Press Officer, Neil Chalmers said, ‘the volunteer crew at Kinghorn has had a very busy start to May, spending nearly six and a half hours at sea during the five callouts. The callouts have been varied, and allowed the crew to use many skills which were recently refreshed during an intensive training week in April with an RNLI trainer from The Lifeboat College.

‘Each callout has brought different challenges; the disabled fishing vessel on Wednesday was towed in to Kirkcaldy harbour. On Saturday, the crew were called to Cramond Island at 2.10pm to rescue four students aged between 18 and 22 who were stranded by the incoming tide. The poor weather conditions meant the lifeboat had to use a technique known as ‘veering down’ where the lifeboat lays its anchor and reverses back to the shoreline in a controlled manner. The four students – three females and one male – were recovered to the lifeboat and taken back to Cramond harbour.

‘Whilst the lifeboat was underway to the Cramond callout, reports were received by Aberdeen Coastguard of a person in the water at Musselburgh. The crew were just approaching Cramond Island when the Coastguard re-tasked the lifeboat to Musselburgh. The lifeboat proceeded to Musselburgh, but fortunately the person was confirmed as safe and well and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to the rescue at Cramond.

‘The crew had just washed the lifeboat when a request for assistance was heard from an 8m catamaran some eight miles east of Kinghorn, after it suffered engine failure. The Coastguard requested the crew to head to the reported position at 4.50pm. The lifeboat proceeded east using a combination of the lifeboat’s navigation equipment and VHF direction finder. The sea conditions were moderate with 2.5m waves. The catamaran was heading to Granton under sail power, and due to the conditions it was decided that the catamaran should sail to Granton where the lifeboat would then assist it into harbour, as it could not safely berth without engine power.

‘The volunteer crew re-launched the lifeboat at 9.10pm on Saturday evening and assisted the catamaran and its three crewmembers safely into Granton harbour.

‘Each callout required different skills and equipment, all of which the volunteer crew regularly train for.

‘As well as the 6.5 hours at sea, each time the boat is launched it takes a further hour to clean, wash and fuel the lifeboat before the volunteer crewmembers can return home, or to work.’


Notes to editors
• Kinghorn lifeboat station has been operating since 1964. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/kinghorn

The attached photograph shows the four walkers being rescued from Cramond, whilst the boat veers onto the beach.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Neil Chalmers, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07767 380274 or press.officer@kinghorn.org.uk or Richard Smith on 07786 668903 or at Richard_smith2 @rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
 
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Page Content: The fishing boat ”Nimrod”, which operates charters out of Kinlochbervie, was heading out to sea for a day’s angling with a party of 10 on board when the skipper noticed his oil pressure dropping and decided to stop his engine. On closer inspection he found a part in the oil filtration system had failed and he was indeed losing oil. At that point the skipper made the wise decision to alert the coastguard on emergency VHF radio channel 16 that he was experiencing difficulties and was in need of urgent assistance.

The Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Stornoway then requested the Lochinver lifeboat to launch and as the pagers went off to summon the crew from their peaceful Sunday mornings, some were only just waking, one was in the bath, others were having a leisurely breakfast and 2 were on the bridge of a fishing trawler in harbour doing their duty as Fishery Officers.

The lifeboat then launched within 5 minutes after being paged and arrived alongside the disabled “Nimrod” an hour later at 10:50 am. In the interim a smaller local fishing boat had stood by the “Nimrod”, helping to arrest her drift toward the rocks in an on shore wind, blowing from the south west at about 15 to 20 mph.

The lifeboat quickly took the “Nimrod” under tow and she was placed alongside her berth on the harbour wall inside Kinlochbervie harbour half an hour later at 11:20 am. The party of anglers, up from Aviemore, were disappointed not to have their day’s fishing but were delighted with the excitement of being rescued by the lifeboat and all expressed their sincere gratitude.

Having ensured the “Nimrod”, her skipper and all passengers were safe and secure, the lifeboat departed Kinlochbervie to return to Lochinver and was tied up alongside her own pontoon ready for service again at 01:30 pm.

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A Ramsgate fisherman, Malcolm Gosman, has equipped his new fishing vessel with the satellite-based man overboard safety system at fit-out stage.

Sarah Ray, a new build catamaran, (9.95m by 4.95m), built and fitted out by Sutton Workboats of Newhaven, is the first fishing vessel in the UK to incorporate the RNLI MOB Guardian safety system before its launch.

The owner, Malcolm Gosman, has been skippering another boat fitted with the equipment. He is aware of its benefits and he decided to have MOB Guardian installed in his new vessel before the launch.

As Malcolm explains: ‘Some of the other boats in Ramsgate are using MOB Guardian – and I’ve been running one of the boats fitted with it, for the last year. I’ve been so impressed with the system that I wanted to fit it to my new catamaran fishing vessel. Because it’s been installed at the fit out stage, as soon as my boat is launched the system will be working.

‘Should something happen, particularly in the hours of darkness, you’ve got something to alert the emergency services. It gives you peace of mind.

‘My son works on board and I make him wear the device when he works, it makes him safer and gives me a little peace of mind - especially when it’s dark.

‘It’s a good thing for the cost. With all the grants and subsidies it will cost me just over £400 for a 4 PSD* unit…instead of the £1,700 it would have been without the funding grants. This is nothing for peace of mind. It’s not a lot of money for something that, at the end of the day, could save your life. With it there’s a decent chance of being found, without it there’s no chance.’ (*Personal Safety Devices)

Sean Friday, RNLI Fishing Safety manager, adds: ‘Malcolm really is leading the way by having MOB Guardian installed during the build of Sarah Ray. He’s ensuring that he is doing the utmost to protect his boat and crew right from the very first trip. I would urge other fishermen having boats built to consider fitting the equipment, with the low cost of MOB Guardian this will ensure peace of mind from the outset.

‘If any local fishermen, or their families, want more information, or have questions about the system, please ring us on 01202 663142, email mob_guardian@rnli.org.uk or visit www.rnli.org.uk/mobguardian.’

Notes to Editors:

•  MOB Guardian consists of a base unit, which is situated in the wheelhouse and personal safety devices (PSDs) worn by the fishermen. The base unit automatically transmits, via satellite, regular updates of a vessel’s position, course and speed to the RNLI’s monitoring station. If a regular update is missed, the monitoring station tries to regain contact with the boat and if no further updates are received an alert is raised with the RNLI, which is then passed to the Coastguard so that a search can be initiated. (An emergency alert button on the base unit can also be activated manually to send an alert to the RNLI).
• If a fisherman wearing a PSD falls into the water, or activates the PSD manually, by pressing and holding down the button for 5 seconds, an alert is raised and transmitted to the RNLI operations centre. The information then passed to the search and rescue agencies is accurate and up to date, detailing position, name of vessel and even name of the crew member. Many fishermen work alone, but if other fishermen are onboard they will be made aware of the situation by an audible alarm that is sounded onboard when a fisherman falls overboard.
• Information about MOB Guardian funding arrangements: Funding/Cost Arrangement example Base Unit with two PSDs and standard installation Total system price (1) ex.VAT £1,490.00 Less *governments providing EFF grants (50%) *English, Scottish and Welsh - £ 745.00 Less RNLI subsidy (25%) - £ 372.50 Fisherman’s Contribution: Remaining system cost (2) 15% VAT (3) £ 372.50 £ 223.50 = £ 596.00 (1) The manufacture, McMurdo, supplies UK fishermen MOB Guardian at cost price (2) Sunderland Marine and Scottish Boat Owners will reimburse their members for the fisherman’s capital cost contribution ex. VAT i.e. £372.50 (3) VAT registered fishermen can reclaim VAT NB In addition the RNLI funds five years’ free satellite airtime

RNLI media contacts: For more information please telephone Richard Smith, RNLI Divisional Media Relations Manager, on 01473 714387 or 07786 668825 or email Richard_Smith2@rnli.org.uk Alternatively contact Julia Sylvester, RNLI Public Relations Officer on 01202 663184 or 01202 336789, email julia_sylvester@rnli.org.uk.

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Fishermen from the Outer Hebrides will have the opportunity to discuss their safety issues and concerns with the Scottish RNLI Fishing Safety Manager, John Fulton, who visits the area next week (12–16 October). John is scheduled to visit Stornoway, Tarbet Harris, Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale, Ardveenish, Castlebay and Gramsdale. There he will offer practical and potentially lifesaving advice about lifejackets, liferafts and the RNLI’s man overboard safety system (MOB Guardian) to fishermen.

Fishing is recognised as the most dangerous industry in the world, and over the last 10 years more than 150 fishermen have lost their lives during the course of their work in UK waters. Despite the introduction of a range of mandatory safety equipment and training courses, this figure has not been significantly reduced, and in 2008, RNLI lifeboats in Scotland were called out to 129 incidents involving fishing vessels, resulting in the charity’s volunteers rescuing 171 people.

John Fulton explains:

‘The RNLI is firmly committed to improving safety within the fishing industry, primarily by providing free safety advice – and I’ll be doing this next week in the Outer Hebrides where I aim to show the value of the MOB Guardian safety system, along with the use of lifejackets and liferafts.

‘I’ll have a MOB Guardian unit available for demos for those who are unaware of the system or are thinking about purchasing it; anyone remotely interested in MOB Guardian should find out about it now and act as soon as possible to ensure they benefit from the many grants and subsidies. These subsidies, secured by the RNLI, provide 75% off the cost of MOB Guardian purchase and installation, plus five years’ free airtime.

‘As a former fisherman, I appreciate how busy fishermen are, and how their time at work and at home is precious. Therefore I want to make myself available at convenient places and times by visiting piers and quays where local fishermen are based and work. I should be able to answer questions or provide information quickly and easily – literally within minutes. If any fisherman wants to ensure our paths cross during my visit, please contact me on 01292 500002, 07881 470248 or john_fulton@rnli.org.uk. I’m looking forward to meeting and chatting to as many local fishermen as possible.’

MOB Guardian is a satellite-based man overboard and vessel locator system, designed to raise the alarm when either a fishing vessel or fisherman gets into difficulty. In the event of a life threatening incident, search and rescue agencies, including RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews, will be alerted to the emergency within minutes. This system provides the RNLI with the position, course and speed of any vessel, or crew member who finds themselves in difficulty. This information is vital in reducing the time it takes for help to arrive on scene, providing fishermen with the best possible chance of survival.

Anyone who would like more information, or has questions about the safety system should telephone the MOB Guardian helpdesk on 01202 663142, email mob_guardian@rnli.org.uk or visit www.rnli.org.uk/mobguardian where there is a downloadable order form.

Notes to editors

Information about MOB Guardian

MOB Guardian consists of a base unit, which is situated in the wheelhouse and personal safety devices (PSDs) worn by the fishermen. The base unit automatically transmits, via satellite, regular updates of a vessel’s position, course and speed to the RNLI’s monitoring station. If a regular update is missed, the monitoring station tries to regain contact with the boat and if no further updates are received an alert is raised with the RNLI, which is then passed to the Coastguard so that a search can be initiated. (An emergency alert button on the base unit can also be activated manually to send an alert to the RNLI).

If a fisherman wearing a PSD falls into the water, or activates the PSD manually, by pressing and holding down the button for 5 seconds, an alert is raised and transmitted to the RNLI operations centre. The information then passed to the search and rescue agencies is accurate and up to date, detailing position, name of vessel and even name of the crew member. Many fishermen work alone, but if other fishermen are onboard they will be made aware of the situation by an audible alarm that is sounded onboard when a fisherman falls overboard.

Searching for a missing vessel or crew member becomes far easier and casualties can be reached sooner therefore increasing their chances of survival.

Information about MOB Guardian funding arrangements:

Funding/Cost Arrangement example (Costs include base unit with two PSDs and standard installation:

Total system price(1) ex.VAT  - £1,490.00
Less Scottish Government provide EFF grants (50%) - £ 745.00 
Less RNLI subsidy (25%) - £ 372.50 
Fisherman’s Contribution: Remaining system cost (2) 15% VAT -
(3) £ 372.50 + £ 223.50 = £ 596.00

(1) The manufacture, McMurdo, supplies UK fishermen MOB Guardian at cost price 
(2) Sunderland Marine and Scottish Boat Owners will reimburse their members for the fisherman’s capital cost contribution ex. VAT i.e. £372.50 
(3) VAT registered fishermen can reclaim VAT 
NB In addition the RNLI funds five years’ free satellite airtime 

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Julia Sylvester RNLI Public Relations Officer on 01202 336789 or Julia_Sylvester@rnli.org.uk

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RNLI MOB Guardian aids four fishermen, onboard the fishing vessel the Aeolus, 50 miles offshore, without engine power or radio contact. At the time wave height was reported to be 3m with winds of 26knots (30mph) gusting. Using MOB Guardian, the skipper contacted the search and rescue authorities that were able to pinpoint the location of the vessel by using information provided by the system. Assistance was sent to the fishing vessel, providing reassurance to the fishermen who eventually carried out temporary repairs to their vessel engine, ensuring a safe return to port.

Following the incident Skipper James Jack stated,

‘MOB Guardian has proved its worth. The unit gave us the reassurance that the RNLI operations room in Poole would react swiftly and make contact with the Coastguard, when we were unable to do so ourselves due to a major power failure.’ Skipper Jack also expressed his gratitude to Aberdeen Coastguard and to the vessels in the area that assisted him.

John Fulton RNLI Fishing Safety Manager for Scotland adds,

‘Even 50 miles out the MOB Guardian system proved to be a real fishermen’s friend. Although the fishing crew were not in immediate danger, it provided them with reassurance that help was at hand, should things turn nasty.

‘I hope details of this incident inspires other fishermen to get themselves equipped with MOB Guardian – at the moment some fishermen may find that with European Grants, RNLI legacy funding and by reclaiming VAT, they may not even have to pay a penny for the lifesaving system. I would urge fishermen to find out more by contacting the RNLI MOB Guardian helpdesk on 01202 663142 or mob_guardian@rnli.org.uk. As we enter autumn with weather and sea conditions likely to worsen, please think about increasing your safety by using MOB Guardian.’

Details of Incident:

On Wednesday 19 August, the 45ft fishing vessel Aeolus was fishing 50 miles off Fraserburgh with four crew onboard. At the time a fresh southerly Force 6 wind was blowing. At 12 noon Skipper James Jack decided to shift grounds and was underway when the boat lost all power and the engine stopped.

Skipper Jack and his crew tried to effect repairs without success. At this point Skipper Jack attempted to make radio contact on channels 16 and 8 with a vessel that was approximately four miles away, without success. At this point he also attempted to make contact with Aberdeen Coastguard, again without success, and concluded that the major power failure had rendered his radio ineffective.

After more than an hour from the initial loss of engine power, and after attempts to restart the engine had failed, as had attempts at radio contact, Skipper Jack took the decision to activate his MOB Guardian unit. On receiving the alert at 1.44pm, the RNLI operations room at Poole contacted Falmouth Coastguard who contacted the local Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Aberdeen. They in turn alerted vessels in the vicinity of Aeolus. One of these vessels made contact with Aeolus and requested her position. Although he still had no power, Skipper Jack was able to give an accurate latitude and longitude position from his MOB Guardian unit, which was relayed by the other vessel to Aberdeen Coastguard. The Coastguard conveyed the information to another vessel who then made contact with Aeolus and made way towards them.

At this time Skipper Jack was successful in making a temporary repair to the engine and was able to make way to Fraserburgh Harbour, with the other vessel in close attendance until Skipper Jack was within VHF distance of Aberdeen Coastguard. Aeolus and the four fishermen onboard finally reached harbour safely at 10pm.

Information about RNLI MOB Guardian

MOB Guardian is the only system that provides safety cover for both the vessel and individual crew members. As soon as the fishing vessel goes to sea, MOB Guardian connects with the RNLI operations room.

The system expects the MOB Guardian unit to automatically update its position at hourly intervals. If contact is lost, the shore-side system automatically tries to re-establish contact. If contact cannot be established with the MOB Guardian unit, the RNLI operations room is alerted who confirm if the boat is at sea. If so details are passed to the Coastguard, who accept it as a Search and Rescue (SAR) alert.

The benefit of fitting MOB Guardian is that the RNLI can pass the last known position, course and speed of the fishing boat to the Coastguard who can programme it into their own location software that allows for tide, wind and environmental factors – helping take the search out of search and rescue.

In addition, each crew member wears a personal safety device (PSD), which communicates constantly with the base unit. If a crew member falls overboard the communication link is broken and the base unit, sounds a very loud klaxon aboard the fishing vessel. An LCD screen on the base unit displays the range and bearing back to the GPS position of the man overboard incident, and alerting the RNLI via a satellite system in less than 3 minutes. This information is passed straight away to the Coastguard, who will initiate a SAR mission. No other system works on the 'always-on' principle and is linked directly to the RNLI and other SAR authorities via the shore-side monitoring infrastructure.

Additionally the MOB Guardian base unit inside the vessel features an emergency button that can be pressed manually to send an alert to the RNLI operations room – which happened in this incident.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Julia Sylvester, RNLI Public Relations Officer on 01202 663184 or via email to jsylvester@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

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During last year RNLI sea safety volunteers checked 7,900 lifejackets across the United Kingdom and Ireland and of those 603 (7.6%) would have failed.

Sunderland based RNLI volunteer lifeboat crewmembers are supporting the country wide safety campaign to encourage those using the sea to always wear a lifejacket, promoting the message that lifejackets are “useless unless worn”. This recommendation is founded on the years of experience of the charities lifeboat crews, who know how unpredictable the sea can be. They are trained to put their lifejackets on and ensure they are correctly fitted whenever they go aboard a lifeboat, whatever the weather.

Whether they’re training or out on a shout, RNLI crew members always wear lifejackets. They know that, whatever the weather, the sea is extremely unpredictable and can turn at a moment's notice. They see people caught out all the time, people who’ve risked or even lost their lives. A lifejacket will buy you vital time in the water and could save your life, but only if you're wearing it.

Sudden immersion in cold water can cause increased blood pressure, a rise in heart rate and risk of gasping in water. Anyone falling in without a lifejacket will struggle to stay afloat and find it difficult to avoid inhaling water.

Recent research commissioned by the RNLI and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) found that people aren’t wearing lifejackets because they underestimate the risk of falling into the water and don’t appreciate the danger of cold water shock.

As part of charities on-going safety campaign local volunteers are trained to increase the public’s awareness of the risks associated with cold water shock and give demonstrations and advise the public on how to choose, fit, and look after lifejackets correctly.

Alan Dixon, Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer at Sunderland RNLI said: ‘A lifejacket is useless unless worn, if it is worn incorrectly or if it is not in full working order. It’s much safer to get into the habit of wearing a lifejacket at all times when afloat, because it means you’ll be familiar with your particular lifejacket and how to operate it should an emergency situation unfold. Lifejackets have a hard life worm or just left in a locker on the boat, they do require regular checking and servicing’

Sunderland Yacht Club was originally formed in 1912 and is currently based on Sunderland Old North Pier, Roker and was founded to encourage boating activities and enhance the skills of its members.

Currently the club has two hundred and fifty members of all ages and promotes an environment where boat owners can not only enjoy the social aspect of the club but can also enhance their boating skills by enrolling onto one of the clubs RYA courses. As the club is a recognized R.Y.A Training centre.

This coming weekend marks the start of sailing season when member’s boats will be lifted back into the water following winter maintenance.

As well as specific lifejacket advice the charity also offers a general sea safety service that is that’s tailored to the individual boat owner and their craft. Safety Onboard is a confidential service that’s neither a test nor an inspection and there is no pass or fail. Conducted by highly trained volunteers, it’s a personal face-to-face safety advice service that takes place on board boaters’ own craft, whether it’s a 40 foot yacht, a RIB or a kayak.

 RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone:

Paul Nicholson, Sunderland RNLI Press Officer on 07957 494 077 or email - pauldnich@yahoo.co.uk or

Ben Mitchell, Sunderland RNLI Assistant Press Officer on 07923 218 761 or email – benjamin_mitchell@rnli.org.uk or

As an alternative please contact

Alison Levett, Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668 912 or alevett@rnli.org.uk or RNLI Headquarters Public Relations on 01202 336000.

Notes to editors

• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station is the oldest continually operation lifeboat in the United Kingdom. It was originally opened in 1800 before being adopted by the RNLI in 1865.

• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station operates its own website www.rnlisunderland.org where supporters can keep up to date with station specific activities.

• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station has a profile on Twitter (SunderlandRNLI) and Facebook (RNLI Sunderland) where supporters can keep up to date with station specific activities and news.

• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station operates two inshore type lifeboats: An Atlantic 85 8.3m inflatable capable of 35 knots and a D Class (IB-1) 4.5m inflatable capable of 25 knots.




 

Page Content: The volunteer crew members of Ilfracombe RNLI had their lunch breaks cut short when their pagers sounded just after 12:45 pm. Launching the all-weather lifeboat into bright sunshine, but with a strong wind and large ground swell, they were soon under way to Nemo’s estimated position west of Ilfracombe.

Upon reaching the stricken vessel, approximately one mile off Lee Bay, one of the volunteer crew members was put aboard. A tow line attached, and the boats returned to Ilfracombe harbour. Nemo was brought alongside the pier, where an engineer was waiting to come aboard, and the all-weather lifeboat and her volunteer crew began the process of recovering onto the carriage to return to the lifeboat station.

Once the Spirit of Derbyshire was cleaned down and recovered into the lifeboat station, Coxswain Andrew Bengey commented;

‘When you are dealing with professional fishermen who have a well maintained boat, it is unusual for us to be called out in these circumstances. They were, however, very pleased to see us.’

This has been a busy few days for Ilfracombe RNLI, with this latest call out for the all-weather lifeboat coming hot on the heels of the two inshore lifeboat rescues last week.

Notes to Editors
• Please find attached a photo taken of the Ilfracombe RNLI all-weather lifeboat Spirit of Derbyshire bringing the potting vessel Nemo alongside the pier at Ilfracombe Harbour. Please credit RNLI/Ilfracombe
• Please also find attached a photo taken of the Ilfracombe RNLI all-weather lifeboat Spirit of Derbyshire being recovered onto the beach at Ilfracombe harbour prior to loading onto the carriage. Please credit RNLI/Ilfracombe

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Suzie Tubby, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Ilfracombe lifeboat station, on 07961 317088 or email ilfracombe@rnli.org.uk or Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Public Relations Manager, on 07786 668847 email Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk  

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Hartlepool RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was asked by HM Coastguard to go to the assistance of a 26 foot, 7.5 ton fishing boat, which was stranded 2 miles off Steetley Pier.

Hartlepool RNLI responded to the coastguard, at 12.27 pm and launched at 12.32pm and was quickly on scene.

Mark Barker, Hartlepool RNLI volunteer crewmember said: ‘The fishing boat had motored through some lobster pots and got a rope wrapped around its propeller. The fishing boat was stuck to the seabed and was unable to move. A North East Fisheries vessel had gone to the fishing boat's aid and we helped cut the rope and free the fishing boat.

'We secured a line to the inshore lifeboat and towed the vessel, with its 2 crewmembers, back to Hartlepool Fish Quay.’

Hartlepool Operations Manager, Mike Craddy, said: ‘This was a simple exercise but something our volunteer crewmembers train for week in and week out so they are able to help save lives at sea.’


Notes to editors

Picture caption

 Hartlepool inshore lifeboat tows the fishing boat to Hartlepool Fish Quay

•  Hartlepool lifeboat station has been operating since 1803. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org/hartlepool


RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Malcolm Wallis, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07538 006694 or malcolmwallis@sky.com or Alison Levett RNLI Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668912 or alison_levett@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

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A 28ft creel boat the Loyal Friend with 3 crew on board came under difficulties off Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay, Orkney. It appeared to have rope/fishing net caught around the prop.

The boat was in danger of drifting ashore and had put out a mayday call. The Telstar, a boat fishing about 10mins away from the scene, responded to the mayday call and a local fishing boat The Guiding Light was standing by.

At 11.28am the pagers went off to alert the lifeboat crew. Seven minutes later the lifeboat was steaming out of Longhope bay in response to the call.

RNLI Longhope lifeboat Helen Comrie was on the scene by 11.35am and quickly secured a tow rope. With sea conditions slight no problems were encountered during the tow back to Burray Pier. On reaching the pier the tow was released and the creel boat was able to berth safely.

The lifeboat returned to Longhope and was back at station by 1.10pm.

Deputy coxswain Angus Budge said, “It appears that this southeasterly wind that has been blowing for a few days has brought in a lot of floating debris. This is bound to be a hazard to all shipping.”

RNLI Media Contacts: Mary Harris, Longhope lifeboat press officer, 01856 701924/ 07709 692811. 

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Newquay RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Gladys Mildred launched at 5.41pm, within eight minutes of the crew’s pagers sounding, to assist the nine metre fishing boat which was reported to be in difficulties approximately one mile west of Towan Head.

The four lifeboat volunteers reached the fisherman at 5.58pm, by which time his boat had already drifted a further mile offshore, to a position two miles north west of the Head. In winds up to force six and conditions later described as ‘extremely poor’ by volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Gareth Horner, the lifeboat crew worked quickly to take the fishing boat in tow.

Despite the challenging conditions, with seas repeatedly breaking over both boats, ‘Patrice’ was towed safely into Newquay Harbour at 6.36pm. The RNLI lifeboat, helmed by Andrew Trebilcock, returned to station at 6.43pm, where she was immediately washed down and refuelled, ready for the next emergency call.
    
RNLI notes to editors
• Attached is a library picture of the Newquay RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat at sea. Please credit RNLI/Nigel Millard.
• The public can follow all the latest rescues and station news at Newquay RNLI lifeboat station on facebook. 

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Andy Hobkinson, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Newquay RNLI, on 07880 507464 or email andy@newquay-lifeboat.org.uk or Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Public Relations Manager south west, on 07786 668847 or email Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk or the Duty RNLI Press Officer on 01202 336789.

Page Content: Dave Lowe Senior Helmsman in charge of the Charles Dibdin reported that 'Dawn was breaking and the sea calm and his location was being relayed via mobile phone from the fisherman via Coastguard. However we had some difficulty locating the craft as it was smaller than expected and drifting with the outgoing tide. We eventually spotted a faint light and managed to get to the craft which was by this time almost on a sand bank and in very shallow water off the main channel. It turned out to be a small inflatable dinghy with a battery powered outboard motor that had failed. Our crew were able to bring both the fisherman, who was feeling the cold, and the dinghy on board the lifeboat and we returned with both to New Brighton lifeboat station.'

He added 'All ended well in this case however its vital that before going to sea you fully understand the limitations of your craft, let Coastguard know when and where you are going and carry communication equipment. He had a fully charged mobile phone and was very lucky to get a signal however we would recommend a VHF Radio and know how to use it. On the lifeboat we carry Radio Detection Equipment and would have found him quickly and this would have made all the difference especially if conditions had been worse and we would also recommend carrying distress flares.'

Once the fisherman had warmed up back at the lifeboat station he told how he had launched from Perch Rock at 2am for a spot of fishing however the tide and currents were too strong for his engine and found himself being swept out to sea. The anchor failed to hold him and the engine's battery eventually went flat and it was starting to get light he realised that he better summon help and phoned Coastguard. He had a colleague with him in a kayak who managed to return to shore OK.

He added 'I owe a big thanks to the Coastguard and lifeboat volunteers, without their assistance I could have been in serious trouble.'

END

Notes to Editors

RNLI New Brighton celebrated its 150th year in January - during this time they have saved 1235 lives.

Photographs from todays rescue -

Primary Photograph - shows the lifeboat with the dinghy and fisherman returning to New Brighton beach.
Secondary Photographs -the dinghy being brought ashore by 2 RNLI volunteers and the dinghy being strapped to the back of the stations 4x4 for transport to the lifeboat station.

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Bob Warwick, RNLI New Brighton Volunteer Press Officer on 0151 200 7965 - mobile 0784 765 8922 - email bob.warwick@ntlworld.com or Alison Levett, RNLI Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668912

Page Content: The volunteer crew of the Trent class all-weather lifeboat, the Ger Tigchlearr, was alerted shortly before 9.30am to go to the aid of the stricken fishing vessel.

 

The local fishing boat, with three crew aboard had developed engine problems enroute back to Arklow.

 

Having located the casualty vessel, a tow line was passed to the stricken boat and once the towline was set, both vessels commenced the slow trip home to Arklow Harbour.

 

All hands stayed aboard the casualty vessel during the incident and came ashore safely into Arklow.

 

Following the call out, Bryan Dempsey, Arklow RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: 'Thanks to the expertise and dedication of our volunteer crew members, we were able to assit the vessel and its crew safely back to shore'.

 

Ends

 

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0868260439, email mark@alymont.com or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer on 087 648 3547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk  

Photo Details
Photos courtesy of Mark Corcoran​

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The volunteer crew launched their all-weather lifeboat, the Ger Tigchlearr, shortly before nine o'clock this morning to go to the aid of a local fishing vessel.

The boat's crew had been fishing two miles south east of Arklow harbour when the vessel fouled its propeller.

The lifeboat was on scene within minutes and having ascertained the status of the casualty, the crew established a towline and proceeded to tow the stricken vessel back to Arklow harbour.

The fishing boat's crew stayed aboard and all hands came ashore later at Arklow Harbour.

Following the call out, Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer and Sea Safety Officer said: 'Even in good conditions at sea things can and do go wrong. If anyone finds themselves in difficulty at sea they should call for help on 999 or 112 or call the Coast Guard on VHF Radio'.

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0868260439, email mark@alymont.com or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer on 087 648 3547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

Photo Details

Photos courtesy of Mark Corcoran ​​

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Newquay’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat crew launched with Matt Robins at the helm to assist the Padstow registered fishing boat Patrice. The vessel with two people on board was disabled with fuel problems.

Arriving on scene, Matt and his volunteer crew took the fishing boat in tow back to Newquay harbour, arriving at 3:30pm.

Notes to editors
• Newquay RNLI lifeboat Day Sunday 18 August 2013

RNLI contacts

For more press information please contact:
Tracy Cayton-Smith,
Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Station Press Officer Tel:  0770 3737 330

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The Padstow Lifeboat ‘Spirit of Padstow’ was launched to go to the aid of the 26-ft fishing vessel from Padstow with two persons onboard. The vessel had broken down with engine trouble off Tintagel Head.

On arrival at the scene the crew of the lifeboat passed across a tow to the vessels owner.  Once set up the lifeboat took up the tow and the vessel was brought back to Padstow arriving at the harbour at 12.30pm.

Notes to editors
• Padstow lifeboat station has been operating since 1827.
• To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/padstow

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Sue Norfolk, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07816 250053 / 01841 532902 or Tamsin Thomas, Public Relations Manager South West on 07786 668847 or Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Page Content: The Sarah Rae, with two persons on board had left Burry Port at around 5 pm on Saturday for an evening’s fishing in Rhossili Bay. When they were near Burry Holms they developed engine problems.  At this point the contacted Swansea Coastguard to inform them of they had problems.  The coastguard then requested the launch of Burry Port’s Atlantic 75.

The Atlantic 75 quickly found the Sarah Rae about a quarter of a mile west of Burry Holms. At 7:40 pm the tow back to Burry Port was under way.

As the lifeboat and Sarah Rae were unable to enter the marina the casualty vessel had to be moored onto the buoy at the entrance to Burry Port to be recovered on Sunday morning. The lifeboat and the two persons on board were back at the lifeboat station at 10 pm.  

Owner of the Sarah Rae Brian Chambers, from Caerleon, Newport stated – ‘the response of the boys was phenomenal, their professionalism second to none.  The RNLI should be well supported as you save lives and take some of the worry out of boating.  Just knowing you are there adds a feeling of security’.

The Atlantic 75 Dorothy Selina was crewed by Justin Pugh, Darren Caines and Nick Jones.

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HM Coastguard called for assistance at 2.52pm and Hartlepool RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Betty Huntbatch was launched at 3.08pm. The 60 foot, 90 tons trawler was on passage from Scarborough to Peterhead when it suffered mechanical failure.

Robbie Maiden, Hartlepool RNLI Coxswain said: ‘We proceeded at 25 knots towards the casualty and arrived on scene at 4.00pm. We quickly attached a line to the fishing boat and towed the vessel back to Hartlepool Fish Quay. The four men onboard were uninjured.’

Mike Craddy, Hartlepool RNLI’s Operations Manager said: ‘This was a routine job for our volunteer crewmembers and the all-weather lifeboat was back on station and ready for service at 6.50pm.'

Picture caption

Hartlepool’s all-weather lifeboat Betty Huntbatch arriving back at Hartlepool Fish Quay.

Notes to editors
• Hartlepool lifeboat station has been operating since 1803. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org/hartlepool

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Malcolm Wallis, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07538 006694 or malcolmwallis@sky.com or, Alison Levett RNLI Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668912 or alison_levett@rnli.org.uk or, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789
 

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The poor conditions are particularly reflected in the lifeguard statistics which are down on 2011 and 2010. The volunteer lifeboat crews in the region launched 1,507 times and the RNLI lifeguards dealt with 10,216 incidents.

RNLI lifeboats across the south west launched 81 fewer times than in 2011 but the charity’s volunteer crews rescued 1,609 people, 38 more than in the previous year.   RNLI lifeguards assisted 11,670 people, down by nearly 2,000 on 2011.

The volunteer lifeboat crews of the south west spent a collective 16,822 hours at sea on emergency call outs with Weymouth RNLI volunteers spending the longest time at sea – 2,981 hours – probably due to the increased need for search and rescue cover to ensure the safety of visitors in the area during the Olympics.

In keeping with the weather conditions, the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team had their busiest year on record, deploying 11 times across the country with six of their destinations being in the south west. In December volunteers saved the life of a woman who had been washed from her car at Umberleigh in Devon and assisted 12 people caught in flood waters at Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

The busiest RNLI lifeboat station in the south west was Poole in Dorset with 109 launches; the volunteers at Plymouth RNLI in Devon were second busiest with 95 call outs, and at Torbay lifeboat station they launched to 86 emergencies. Collectively the three lifeboat station teams rescued 388 people.  The busiest lifeboat station in the Channel Islands was St Helier where the volunteers launched 62 times.

The busiest beach was Perranporth in Cornwall where RNLI lifeguards dealt with 615 incidents and assisted 672 people.  Second busiest was North Fistral near Newquay where the charity’s lifeguard’s attended 394 incidents, assisting 348 people. Third busiest was Woolacombe in North Devon with 383 incidents.

Andy Hurley, RNLI Regional Operations Manager, says:

‘The figures illustrate just how dedicated our volunteer crews and our lifeguards are, giving a huge amount of time to saving lives at sea and I thank them and their families for their continuing commitment. I would also like to thank all those who support our charity because their donations ensure our teams have the best training and equipment.  Our fundraising volunteers are as dedicated as always and even now are preparing for the RNLI’s annual SOS fundraising day on Friday 25 January.

‘Call outs to sailing and power boats with machinery failure are still our core business in the south west, but I’m delighted to say the numbers are down which I hope means our prevention messages are getting through to people before they go onto the water. However we have seen a rise in the number of fishing boats needing our assistance and in rescues of people ashore, that’s folk who are perhaps injured, trapped or cut off by the tide around the sea shore and cliffs.

‘Despite the poor weather our RNLI lifeguards have been busy but the figure of 11,670 people assisted is relatively small when you consider that a staggering nine and half million people visited the lifeguarded beaches of the south west last year.

‘2012 has once again proved the value of the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews, lifeguards and Flood Rescue Teams. All have maintained their commitment and this has been reflected in particular at Port Isaac where three of the crew of the D class inshore lifeboat have been recognised with RNLI Gallantry Medals that will be presented at the charity’s Annual Presentation of Awards in London in May this year.’

RNLI notes to editors

• * The south west covers an area from Weston super Mare in Somerset down the north coast to the Isles of Scilly, up the south coast to Mudeford in Dorset and including the Channel Islands.
•    The attached pictures are library shots taken during a Flood Rescue Team training event at Hayle in Cornwall last autumn. Please credit RNLI/Simon Culliford.
•    The RNLI lifeboat volunteers at Ilfracombe in North Devon had their busiest year on record with 65 launches.
•     The RNLI provides a 24/7 search and rescue service every day of the year up to 100 nautical miles out from the coast of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. HM Coastguard and the Irish Coast Guard initiate and co-ordinate civil maritime search and rescue (SAR) in the UK and Irish SAR regions from Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCC). During maritime emergencies on cliffs, beaches, the shoreline or at sea both of these authorities call on RNLI lifeboats and/or lifeguards, which are declared search and rescue assets. The RNLI responds within agreed criteria.
•     The RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team is made up from RNLI lifeboat crew volunteers and staff who undergo additional specialist swift-water rescue training. They are supported by Toolstation.
•     95% of the RNLI’s crew members are volunteers. The RNLI has 4,600 volunteer crew members, 3,000 volunteer shore crew and station management, 35,000 volunteer fundraisers and, of its 900 lifeguards, 120 are volunteers.  

RNLI contacts

For more information please contact Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Public Relations Manager for the south west, on 07786 668847 or 01752 854450 or email either Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk or Amy_Caldwell@rnli.org.uk

You can also contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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The family of an Irish fisherman became concerned when his 14 metre fishing vessel failed to return to harbour at 23:30. Attempts were made to contact the fisherman by radio and phone but to no avail. Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station was contacted at 01:00 and the crew pagers were activated. The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, was given the last known position of the fishing vessel and they proceeded to the area 8 miles south east of Ballycotton lighthouse.The Waterford based Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, was also launched.

When close to the vessel’s last known position a red flare was spotted by the Ballycotton lifeboat and the fisherman was found safe and well in a life raft. It is understood he had been in the life raft for approx. four hours.

He was taken aboard the RNLI lifeboat where his condition was assessed. He was safely landed ashore in Ballycotton where his family awaited his return.

Notes to editors

RNLI media contacts For more information please telephone Bláthnaid Lane Walsh, Lifeboat Press Officer, Ballycotton RNLI station, on 087 4151475 or ballycottonrnli14@eircom.net or Niamh Stephenson, Media Relations Manager Ireland on 087 1254124 or nstephenson@rnli.org.uk

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It was a busy start to the Easter weekend for the volunteers who crew the Angle's RNLI all-weather Tamar class lifeboat, Mark Mason, with two call-outs in 24 hours.

The first came on Good Friday, when the lifeboat - commanded by RNLI Staff Coxswain Lee Firman - was launched shortly after 2pm to evacuate an injured crewman from a 23m French fishing vessel Alf, off the south Pembrokeshire coast. The lifeboat met the fishing vessel about two miles off St Anne's Head and escorted her into the Milford Haven Waterway. There, RNLI volunteer crewman Mark Roch boarded the fishing vessel to assess the 18-year-old crewman, who had a suspected collapsed lung. The casualty was then transferred to the lifeboat and taken to the Milford Haven Port Authority jetty, where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital.

The second call-out came on Easter Saturday, when the all-weather lifeboat was launched shortly before midday to assist a 10m Swedish motor cruiser, with three persons on board. The cruiser, Anna V, which was in Broad Sound, between Skomer and Skokholm islands, had lost the use of one of her twin engines. The lifeboat escorted the cruiser towards the Milford Haven Waterway. But, when the vessel's other engine failed just off St Anne's Head, she was taken in tow, by the lifeboat, to Milford Docks.

Notes to Editors

Photos of the two call-outs are available. 

Media contacts For more information please telephone Ted Goddard, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Angle, on 01437 763675 or contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager Wales on 07786 668829 / drush@rnli.org.uk. Alternatively, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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The first 'shout' came in at 2.58pm this afternoon. Weather had been fine, calm and relatively good visibility. After lunch, however, the fog had started to creep in. A group of four people had taken to the water from Skerries, North County Dublin, late morning. The three kayakers and one stand-up paddleoarder got seperated when fog came in.

The call came in to Skerries RNLI station via Dublin Coastguard when it was reported that the kayakers had lost sight and contact with the  stand-up paddleoarder. The volunteer crew launched the lifeboat and just as it entered the water, word came in that all four had just made it safely to shore, under their own steam.

The second 'shout' came in just over 3 hours later.  At 5.02pm, Dublin Coastguard again asked Skerries lifeboat to launch. The 9 meter Skomer Razor Fishing Boat started to drift after a gearbox failure. Positioned at the Cardy Rocks, off Balbriggan, the Skipper dropped anchor and called for assistance.

With the fog thickening, visibility down to a couple of metres, Skerries lifeboat launched and proceeded to the co-ordinates given but were unable to locate the vessel. 

Matters were not helped by the fact that radio contact had been lost by the Skomer. When RNLI Volunteer crew reached the position reported, it was pitch dark and the fog had deepened to such an extent that, despite both boats launching flares, neither crews could see them.

Evenually, with the aid of a mobile phone and lifeboat to RNLI station radio, the Skomer was located and towed into Skerries Harbour. The crew and boat were safe and sound. Another good ending to both call outs.

Page Content: New Brighton's Atlantic 85 B-837 Charles Dibdin lifeboat was launched and quickly reached the stricken vessel that was close to the rocks that formed part of the sea defences on New Brighton seafront not far from The Floral Pavilion.

A spring tide of 10 metres was predicted for high water around noon resulting in the sea in the vicinity of the sea wall and at our launch point on Victoria slip way being quite choppy due to the combination of shallow water and waves and this made the lifeboat launch more challenging than usual.

On reaching the vessel it appeared that the main engine had failed to start and the battery run flat in the attempt to get it going and when the auxiliary engine was started the propeller hit something and also failed. One of the crew had spent some time in the water wrestling with the situation and was wet and feeling the cold.

The vessel was taken in tow and secured to a local mooring and the skipper decided that he would remain on board until we recovered the vessel later in the day when the tide was low. We took the other two crew on board the lifeboat, gave protective clothing and due to the choppy conditions at New Brighton the lifeboat was recovered at Egremont Ferry slipway where it was calmer. On return to the lifeboat station the person with wet clothes was given warm clothing and both made comfortable by the lifeboat crew.

Later in the afternoon our volunteers returned to the station and at 4pm the lifeboat was launched again and the fishing vessel returned to New Brighton beach where our volunteers loaded it onto its trailer.

Senior Helmsman Dave Lowe in charge of the lifeboat commented 'Anyone going on the water should be aware of the tides and local conditions. It is essential that full safety gear including lifejackets should be worn at all times as survival time in the water especially this time of year is very short.'

New Brighton's Lifeboat Operations Manager Graham Sale said 'This one could easily have turned out very differently but fortunately we were able to get everyone and the vessel safely back to land. It is a testament to the dedication and selflessness of our volunteers who turn out in all weathers, day or night all year round'.

END

Notes to Editors


RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Bob Warwick, RNLI New Brighton Volunteer Press Officer on 0151 200 7965 - mobile 0784 765 8922 - email bob.warwick@ntlworld.com or Alison Levett, RNLI Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668912