RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat brings drifting commercial vessel safely home
The RNLI Torbay volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked by HM Coastguard at around 12.25pm on Monday 24 September to assist a commercial fishing vessel which had suffered gearbox problems and was drifting some 17 miles south east of Portland Bill.
The all-weather lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes - with 5 crew on board - set off to rendezvous with the stricken vessel, 9.8 metre fishing vessel Stronsay Maid, which was unable to make way. Thankfully, weather conditions were good with bright sunshine and a slight sea state.
Despite the casualty vessel being some 25 miles from Brixham, the volunteer lifeboat crew were with her around an hour after setting off and were able to attach a tow line and begin proceeding steadily back towards port. The two vessels neared Brixham Breakwater around 4.30pm, when the Stronsay Maid was placed alongside the lifeboat to continue safely into the harbour.
Once the casualty vessel was safely moored at Brixham Harbour, the volunteer lifeboat crew were able to refuel and return to the pontoon below the boathouse, with the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat ready for service again by around 5.30pm.
Notes to editors
Photos show Stronsay Maid being towed by the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat, approaching Brixham Breakwater and alongside coming into harbour Photos courtesy of RNLI / Nigel Crang & Victoria Bowen
Torbay Lifeboat Station Key Facts:
- Torbay lifeboat station has been operating since 1866. To learn more about the station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/torbay-lifeboat-station
- Coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat is Mark Criddle
- Further information on Torbay Lifeboat Station’s local activities can be found at: http://www.torbaylifeboat.co.uk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnlitorbay
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLITorbay
RNLI media contacts
Victoria Bowen, RNLI Torbay Lifeboat Press Officer
07794 043 428 or [email protected]
Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer:
01752 854450 or [email protected]
or RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789 (24 hours)
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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