24ft vessel in difficulty escorted to safety by Scarborough RNLI
Two fishermen were brought to safety on the evening of Monday 6 May 2024 by the crew of Scarborough RNLI lifeboat. Their vessel had developed mechanical problems whilst angling off the Yorkshire coast in very poor visibility.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Fredrick William Plaxton launched at 7.25pm, following a crew pager alert and proceeded three and a half miles south off Scarborough at Gristhorpe.
Visibility was very poor, with a north easterly wind force three to four. Sea state was slight with very little moment in the sea.
Scarborough RNLI's Coxswain carried out an assessment of the vessel which was believed to have a fuel issue to the engine. As the vessel had no propulsion and was unable to return to port under its own power and with the poor visibility, it was decided the best and safest course of action was to tow the vessel back to Scarborough Harbour.
A towline was established, and a course was set for Scarborough harbour at 7.38pm. and the vessel was safely brought back to the harbour.
Speaking after the callout, Scarborough RNLI's Coxswain, said: 'We located the pleasure vessel using direction finding and radar as the visibility was poor. The vessel was safely at anchor with both people wearing lifejackets. After assessing the situation and deciding that a tow was the safest course of action due to the vessel being a risk to navigation and having a limited electric supply, the crew worked well and had no difficulties preparing a towline.'
When going afloat the RNLI would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
For more information please visit https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/angling
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For more information, please contact Nick Gough, RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
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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.
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