Douglas RNLI launch lifeboat to save two casualties from sinking vessel
Douglas RNLI launch lifeboat to save two casualties from sinking vessel
Lifeboats News Release
The volunteer crew from Douglas RNLI Lifeboat Station were tasked to launch by the Isle of Man Coastguard and HM Coastguard following a call from a boat rapidly taking on water.
Nicholas Leach
Douglas Mersey class lifeboat Joy and Charles Beeby
On Wednesday (7 February) Douglas RNLI all-weather lifeboat, Joy and Charles Beeby launched at 1.29pm following a request for help from the Coastguard.
Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered another fishing boat had attempted to tow the 15m fishing vessel that was taking on water but unfortunately dropped the tow.
The 15m fishing vessel was reporting taking on water, loss of power, and no communication. The Douglas lifeboat crew immediately deployed a salvage pump to mitigate the flooding, and one of the volunteer lifeboat crew went aboard to assist in setting it up. To ensure the safety of the vessel’s crew one of their crew member was transferred to the lifeboat.
The lifeboat crew were initially content with the pump so made the decision to tow, calling the Fire and Rescue service to support with additional pumps once back in Douglas Harbour.
Approximately 10-15 minutes into the tow, the skipper requested to be taken off the vessel, as the situation continued to deteriorate. The lifeboat crew assisted in transferring him to safety, providing a handheld radio for communication. Unfortunately, efforts to salvage the vessel proved futile, and it sank at 6.47pm, approximately four miles off Laxey.
The RNLI crew then diligently collected debris including ropes, baskets, and a life raft from the scene.
Belfast Coastguard, satisfied with the RNLI's response and the removal of the navigation hazard, allowed the crew to stand down and return home.
Peter Cowin, Volunteer Coxswain said:
‘The professionalism and dedication displayed by the young crew, including Lavinia, Rob, and Phil, was particularly commendable throughout the operation.
‘Although the boat unfortunately sank, we are glad we were able to bring back all the people onboard, and it is a testament to the future of this station the skills and hard work I saw from the younger crew members.’
The RNLI volunteers washed down the Joy and Charles Beeby and refuelled it to ensure the lifeboat was ready for the next emergency.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Charli Dimelow, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07624 436013 or email [email protected].
Alternatively, you can contact RNLI Regional Communications Manager, Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
