Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat called to Windfarm Vessel taking on water
The Master of a windfarm crew transfer boat called for help when a significant quantity of water was spotted in one of the craft’s engine compartments.
The crew from Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat ‘Patsy Knight’ were alerted just after half past midnight (on Sunday 24 September) to the plight of the vessel and soon launched to give assistance.
Lowestoft Lifeboat Coxswain John Fox said “ It only took half an hour to reach the 20 metre crew transfer vessel ‘Broads Fisher” which was 14 miles south-east of the port and returning from working on the Galloper Windfarm Project
When we arrived two other windfarm craft, Dalby Ouse and FOB Swath 4, were standing by and escorting the stricken boat.
The five-man crew of the Broads Fisher told us that their starboard engine compartment was flooded but that they were still able to make headway with their other engine.
Lifeboat crewman James Tacon was put on board their boat with a salvage pump and with this he managed to expel much of the water, which it seemed had come from a broken pipe.
We escorted the vessel as it limped back to Lowestoft in the gently rolling but bumpy sea conditions. Once there we helped them to moor at the Shell Quay in Lake Lothing at 3.30am.”
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