Isle of Man lifeboats launch to Mayday call in the sound

On Sunday (15 May) during a routine training exercise, Port Erin RNLI Lifeboat B-813 Muriel and Leslie, under the command of helmsman Liam Lowey was diverted to a MAYDAY call at 11.55pm. A 28-foot yacht on passage from Beaumaris was on the rocks, known locally as The Cletts off the Calf of Man.

Once Port Erin Lifeboat was on scene, it was clear that the casualty vessel had been blown onto ‘the Cletts’. The volunteer crew were quick to assess the situation of the vessel and the two casualties on board.

After assessing the casualties and the vessel, it was establishing there were no injuries and the yacht’s hull was not taking on water. Port Erin RNLI volunteers Lifeboat then established a tow from the stern of the stricken yacht.

Port St Mary RNLI all-weather lifeboat Gough Ritchie II launched at 12.09pm under the command of Coxswain Mark Pendlebury and proceeded to the reported position.

Once Port St Mary's all-weather lifeboat was on the scene, the volunteer crew stood by as Port Erin RNLI successfully towed the yacht off the rocks and out of immediate danger. The casualties were assisted to the all-weather lifeboat, and the volunteer crews made another assessment of the vessel to check for any ingress of water.

It was agreed to by the crews of both lifeboats as well as HM Coastguard that Port Erin RNLI lifeboat could be stood down and returned to station whilst Port St Mary all-weather lifeboat would escort the casualty back to harbour under their own engine power.

The casualty made port at 1.40pm under the supervision of the lifeboat crew, who assisted in creating a secure berth on the breakwater as there was insufficient water in the inner Harbour.

Port St Mary RNLI all-weather lifeboat along with Port Erin inshore lifeboat were then refuelled, washed down and made ready for service.