Ramsey and Douglas RNLI launched to aid fishing vessel with engine room fire

Ramsey RNLI volunteers launched at 7.20am, following a request by Belfast Coastguard, and made good speed towards the 16m vessel reported to be 2.5 miles east of Maughold Head. The crew of two aboard the fishing vessel had managed to isolate and extinguish the fire. Nether crew member was injured in the incident, but the vessel had suffered a complete loss of power.

Ramsey RNLI's lifeboat arrived on scene at around 7.55am. Having first established that no injuries had been sustained, a tow was safely established. Ramsey RNLI's lifeboat then proceeded towards Douglas Harbour with the vessel in tow.

Meanwhile, Douglas RNLI's all-weather-lifeboat, Marine Engineer, launched at 7.50am and headed to meet Ramsey's lifeboat. The lifeboats rendezvoused at 8.30am and the tow was passed from Ramsey to Douglas lifeboat. Douglas lifeboat then successfully continued the tow to Douglas Harbour whilst Ramsey lifeboat turned around and returned to Ramsey.

Ends

Photo Detail:

Douglas RNLI lifeboat with the stricken vessel in tow – credit Mike Howland, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Douglas.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Ms Theresa Shammon, Ramsey RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07624459347 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [email protected]

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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