Withernsea RNLI Lifeboat crew aid fishing vessel with fouled propeller
Withernsea RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew helped a fishing vessel with 3 men on board this morning (Wednesday 5 July) as their propeller became fouled with several fishing lines. The men called for help after they were unable to free themselves.
Withernsea's RNLI inshore lifeboat Henley Eight launched at 11.40am and reached the fishing vessel within 5 minutes. One crewman entered the water to cut free the tangled fishing lines from the fishing vessels propeller.
Because the fishing vessel were able to start their engine with no further problems, the lifeboat then escorted the vessel back to their recovery site at central Withernsea. The lifeboat stood by as the fishing vessel was recovered from the beach.
Withernsea RNLI crewman Dan Lythe said: 'The fisherman did the right thing by calling for help. One of our crew needed to enter the water to successfully free the tangled lines, even in warm weather the water can be cold and we are kitted well to protect ourselves in the water. It could have been much worse if they had decided to resolve the issue themselves without help.
'The three men on board were grateful for our assistance and we escorted them back to Withernsea just to make sure they were okay. Conditions were worsening and the tide was flooding which created a nasty beach swell for them to recover their boat in.'
For further details contact Press Officer Matthew Woodhouse on 07864 633267
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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 146,000 lives.
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