Looe RNLI crew launch to assist a local trawler suffering from engine problems

In the early hours of yesterday morning, Saturday 3 March 2018, whilst out fishing the Looe trawler Paravel experienced intermittent problems with her engine fuel supply. With a faltering engine, easterly force 5 winds and falling spring tide, the trawler slowly made her way back to port. The trawler’s skipper telephoned our Lifeboat Operations Manager asking for assistance as he was concerned about entering the harbour over the bar with a big swell and heavy sea running.

David Haines, Lifeboat Operations Manager with Looe RNLI made the decision not to summon the crew by pager because of the icy road conditions and concern for the safety of volunteer crews responding to the pager alert. He said that as there was no immediate risk to life he could alert the crew by telephoning around, allowing them time to make their way safely to the lifeboat station.

At 8.10 am shore crew tractor driver Del Palfrey launched the charity’s Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II and the inshore lifeboat helmed by David Jackman made her way out into Looe bay. Crew members Toby Bray, Matt Jaycock and Clive Palfrey quickly established a line with the trawler and towed her safely back to her berth on East Looe Quay. The Atlantic 85 returned to the lifeboat station where she was washed down and refuelled ready for her next service by 8.50 am.

End

Photos:

· Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II towing the trawler into Looe river
Photo credit Sue Foster

· Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II launch
Photo credit Richard Davies

· For further information on Looe RNLI Lifeboats please visit our website www.looelifeboats.co.uk

· Looe RNLI Facebook page www.facebook.com/LooeRNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Ian Foster, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Looe Lifeboat Station, on 07902 753228 or [email protected] or [email protected]

or

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Media Manager, on 07920 818807 or [email protected]

or

Carrie Garrad, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected]

Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Duty Press Officer on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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