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Craster Lifeboat assists boat with fouled propeller

Lifeboats News Release

On 23 June 2021 at 2:30pm Craster volunteer RNLI crew were paged to launch by UK Coastguard on service to a 7.5 metre vessel that was close to Dunstanburgh Castle.


The lifeboat was launched and made best speed north from the harbour reaching the casualty vessel within only a few minutes.

The RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) had an inboard engine with a stern drive propulsion system and auxiliary outboard engine.

Both propellers had become entangled on a lobster pot line, the crew of the RHIB were unable to make the propeller free so the lifeboat crew assisted with the removal of rope by entering the water and making it free.

Once the rope was removed, the engine of the RHIB failed to start. After assessing the situation a decision was made that it was the safest option to tow the vessel back to Craster harbour.

Once back into Craster harbour the engine was re-started and the boat left heading for Amble.

No medical assistance or casualty care was needed and everyone on the RHIB had lifejackets on.

Craster lifeboat James Ballard was prepared for service following the Covid 19 RNLI guidance

The RNLI advises that In an emergency at sea, or on the coast or, if someone is in in difficulty, to call the Coastguard by dialling 999 or 112 on a mobile phone.

RNLI Picture credits
Craster RNLI/Andy Cowan.

RNLI Media contacts
For more information please contact RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Andy Cowan: [email protected]

A volunteer crew member in the water undoing the fouled rope from propeller

RNLI/Craster

Undoing the rope
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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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Andrew Cowan
Lifeboat Press Officer, Craster Lifeboat Station

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