Skegness RNLI involved in rescue of crew from sinking vessel
A fishing boat’s crew issued a Mayday call in the early hours of Saturday morning (18 September 2021) as the boat was taking on water and the crew were considering abandoning ship as it was listing heavily astern.
HM Coastguard requested Skegness RNLI, Wells RNLI and a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter to aid the vessel’s crew.
The RNLI Shannon Class relief lifeboat Cosandra was launched at 1.10am with a crew of six volunteers to aid those on the fishing vessel.
Skegness RNLI’s lifeboat arrived on scene shortly before Wells RNLI’s lifeboat and put two crew members onboard the fishing vessel with a portable salvage pump. The crew started pumping water from the engine room of the vessel.
Shortly after, Wells RNLI arrived on scene and a second salvage pump was transferred onboard.
After an hour of working both pumps, the vessel had regained stability and a tow was established with Wells RNLI where the vessel was towed into Wells Harbour while being escorted by Skegness RNLI’s lifeboat.
Skegness RNLI Coxswain Craig Willard said: ‘It was a very good call from the skipper of the fishing vessel issuing a Mayday call as soon as they realised they were in trouble, this allowed the RNLI and the UK Coastguard to promptly respond to the incident and bring it to a safe resolution. It is essential to call for help as soon as possible if you find yourself in trouble at sea.’
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.