Port St Mary RNLI volunteers prevent rigid inflatable boat from sinking
Port St Mary RNLI has assisted three people whose rigid inflatable boat was in danger of sinking this morning (Wednesday 30 May).
Two volunteers from the station were working on the all-weather lifeboat when at 10.40am, a member of the public on the shore raised the alarm in a phone call to say they could see a boat sinking on the breakwater.
The two crew members grabbed the salvage pump from the all-weather lifeboat and launched the station’s inshore lifeboat and made their way to the scene minutes from the station.
Weather conditions at the time were sunny and hot and the water was flat calm.
On scene, the lifeboat crew observed that the boat which had been tied alongside the breakwater had taken on a considerable amount of water and was sinking rapidly. They immediately applied the salvage pump and after working for an hour, saved the vessel from sinking.
Speaking following the incident, Sarah Keggen, Port St Mary RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘We would like to commend the swift actions of the member of the public who immediately raised the alarm when they saw the vessel was sinking. This along with the quick thinking of our two volunteer crew members to grab the salvage pump and launch the inshore boat, enabled us to save the rib from sinking today.
‘We would urge anyone planning a trip to sea this summer to always respect the water. Plan your trip, do regular checks on your vessel and equipment, always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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