Douglas RNLI lifeboat called out to assist small fishing boat

The fishing boat with just one person on board had left Laxey harbour earlier in the morning to fish in Laxey Bay when the boat’s engine failed approximately one mile offshore. With the strong north westerly wind blowing the vessel out to sea, and the boat’s anchor failing to hold, the lone fisherman radioed the Coastguard for assistance.

Douglas RNLI all-weather lifeboat Marine Engineer was launched under the command of volunteer coxswain Graeme Cushnie. Crossing Douglas Bay in a moderate swell, the crew experienced a larger sea swell when they rounded Clay Head and by which time the fishing boat had drifted a further mile offshore.

Having made contact with the casualty vessel, and after ensuring its single occupant was not in need of any assistance himself, the small fishing boat was taken under tow. With the tide in their favour the crew of the lifeboat were able to return the casualty vessel back into Laxey harbour where the Coastguard was waiting to assist.

Leaving the fishing boat and its crew member in the care of the Coastguard the lifeboat returned to station to be re-housed, washed down, re-fuelled and was made ready again for service by 9.15am.

Notes to editors
Caption for attached photo: Douglas all-weather lifeboat Marine Engineer with casualty vessel under tow. Credit: RNLI

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For more information please contact Mike Howland, Douglas RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07624496029, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Ireland on 00353876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager Ireland on 00353871254124 or [email protected]

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