Angle lifeboat volunteers spend 11 and half hours at sea

Angle RNLI all-weather lifeboat Mark Mason was requested to launch shortly before 2am on Saturday morning 30 of November by Milford Haven Coastguard. The Volunteer crews were tasked to a 13-metre fishing vessel with with one person on board, that was experiencing heavy weather in a position approximately 24 miles south west of St Ann's Head.

The fishing vessel was unable to head into the weather so was running down wind until the arrival of the lifeboat. The lifeboat arrived on scene and after discussions the skipper, it was decided to escort the fishing vessel to Milford. After 40 minutes, it was clear that no headway was being made so it was decided to rig a tow.

With the tow successfully rigged, the fishing vessel was towed at three knots due to the sea conditions. When approaching the entrance to the East Channel, the fishing vessel experienced engine issues so it was decided to continue with the tow up to Milford Docks to allow the skipper time to rectify any faults in calmer weather.

At the entrance to Milford Docks the tow was released and the lifeboat placed two crew onto the Fisherman's Pontoon outside the entrance to Milford docks to assist the skipper with berthing. Once the fishing vessel was secure, the crew were recovered, and the lifeboat returned to station 11 and half hours after launching.

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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