Lifeboat volunteers from Sunderland, UK, RNLI Lifeboat Station were called into action shortly before 12:45pm on 5 March to assist the crew of a 21ft fishing vessel that had suffered mechanical failure.
The rescue mission was launched after Coastguard Officers at Humber Coastguard received an emergency 999 telephone call from the crew onboard the fishing vessel, reporting that they had lost all power but were not in immediate danger as they had deployed their anchor. Officers contacted Sunderland RNLI and requested the launch of its B Class inshore lifeboat Wolseley, along with the MCA’s own shore-based Coastguard Rescue Team from Sunderland.
The RNLI lifeboat launched under the command of Helmsman, Ian Rowan and quickly located the stricken vessel lying at anchor half a mile east of Hendon Drum Pier. Ben Mitchell, Crewmember at Sunderland RNLI said:
“When we located the vessel it was lying at anchor and once alongside, we transferred a lifeboat volunteer across onto the vessel to allow us to secure a line to tow the boat and its crew to safety.”
The 6.5m fishing vessel and its unharmed crew (two men from Sunderland) were taken in tow and returned to their own moorings opposite Hendon, Fish Quay, Sunderland.
Six RNLI Sea Safety Tips
1. Inform – tell others where you’re going
2. Training – knowledge of your activity is essential
3. SOS device – carry a means of calling for help
4. Wear a lifejacket – a life statement, not a fashion statement - wear it
5. Engine and fuel – have you sufficient fuel and spares?
6. Tides and weather – check the conditions before heading out
