RNLI rescues two fisherman
Lifeboat volunteers from Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station this week took part in an emergency mission to rescue two men whose 32ft fishing coble had suffered engine failure off Ryhope, Sunderland.
The rescue mission was launched shortly after 20:00 on Sunday 7 August when Coastguard Officers based at Humber Coastguard Marine Rescue Coordination Centre received a ‘999’ emergency telephone call from the crew stating that their vessel was drifting without power.
Officers immediately contacted the duty Launching Authority at Sunderland RNLI to request the launch of their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Wolseley.
After locating the casualty 300m off Ryhope beach, a volunteer lifeboat crewman was transferred onto the vessel to secure a tow line and confirm that there were no further issues onboard.
After establishing a tow; the crew (two male adults from Hendon, Sunderland) and their boat were taken in tow by the inshore lifeboat and taken back to their moorings at Sunderland Fish Quay.
Clive Fallon, Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said: “We recommend that crews do not rely on mobile phones for communication at sea; as they can be unreliable and are unable to be traced by the RNLI or Search and Rescue Helicopters”.
The RNLI offers a completely free, friendly and confidential advice service that looks at safety aspects involved with jet-skis or boats.
SEA Check is neither a test nor an inspection and there is no pass or fail. Conducted by one of RNLIs highly trained volunteers, SEA Check is a personal face-to-face safety advice service that takes place onboard the participant’s own craft.
Anyone interested in arranging a Sea Check can do so by contacting Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station on 0191 567 3536 or sunderland@rnli.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 328 0600 (Free phone).
