Newhaven Lifeboat tasked to fishing vessel taking on water
RNLI Newhaven pagers alarmed at 7.38am on Monday 30 November to a tasking for immediate launch to a fishing trawler taking on water 15NM south west of Newhaven. The RNLI Newhaven Severn class lifeboat 'David and Elizabeth Acland' launched at 7.55am with her Coxswain and a volunteer crew of five.
The Seven Sisters Newhaven-Dieppe ferry was also diverted to aide the fishing vessel along with two other fishing vessels in the area.
As Newhaven Lifeboat launched, an updated position for the casualty vessel was received from HM Coastguard. The vessel was making its way towards Newhaven.
Newhaven Lifeboat set a new course to rendez-vous with the casualty vessel 11NM south of Newhaven. The ferry and other fishing vessels were stood down and returned to course.
Lewis Arnold, Newhaven's Coxswain, said, ‘Although the sea state was smooth to slight, with 12knots of wind from the west, the visibility was poor, due to thick fog. Our speed to scene was critical.’
Newhaven Lifeboat arrived on scene. The fishing vessel was taking on water in the engine room.
A Newhaven lifeboat crew member was transferred to the casualty fishing vessel, along with a general service pump. The lifeboat crew-member now onboard the casualty vessel assisted with stemming the water flow, whilst the fishing vessel continued to make way to Newhaven.
Andy Bull, Crew, said, ‘Once on board I could see the ingenuity of the fishing vessel crew. Their primary pump was active, however, their second back-up pump was failing. This put an uncomfortable amount of pressure on the temporary fix they had rigged: a broom-handle with a rubber bung on the end of it, which they had wedged into the hole from where the vessel was taking on water.’
The Newhaven Lifeboat escorted the casualty fishing vessel for the journey to Newhaven Harbour.
Lewis Arnold, Coxswain, said, ‘The casualty crew did the right thing in calling for our assistance. We were happy to escort them to a safe harbour berth where they will be able to fully survey the extent of the issue.’
Newhaven Lifeboat and her volunteer crew washed down the boat and were ready for service once again at 10.12am.
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