Port Talbot Lifeboat launches to 20ft vessel in difficulty

Yesterday, Port Talbot Lifeboat Craig Morris was called into action, following reports of a 20ft vessel suffering engine failure in the River Neath while returning to its moorings at Monkstone Sailing Club.

The crew were paged at 3.22pm and launched at 3.30pm, making best speed to the location and arriving quickly on scene.

Due to the location, limited water depth, and additional hazards, Lifeboat Helm Leon Murphy made the decision that the safest outcome would be to take the vessel under tow and return it safely to its moorings within the marina of the sailing club.

All four lifeboat crew worked seamlessly together to secure the tow and bring the vessel safely back to the marina.

Clive Morris, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Port Talbot said:

‘Had the lifeboat crew taken the person off the vessel and left it at anchor, this would have caused a hazard to other vessels who would have needed to use the channel on the next tide as it’s the centre of the shipping lane. There are ships that use the river to disembark cargo who are guided by pilot boats entering and leaving the river.

‘Therefore, this was the best possible option at the time.’

Once safely alongside, Port Talbot Lifeboat was stood down by the Coastguard and returned to station, where our dedicated shore crew recovered the lifeboat and made it ready for the next service call.

Clive added:

‘The occupant of the vessel did exactly the right thing by calling the Coastguard for assistance and had all the necessary safety equipment on board.

‘If you see anybody in trouble at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

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