RNLI Aldeburgh lifeboat launched to rescue a boat with engine failure
RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’ was launched on Wednesday 20 April, at approximately 7.50pm, following a Coastguard request, to a report of a 85 foot, crew transfer vessel, with engine failure, south of Aldeburgh.
The RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was requested, by the Coastguard, at 7.21pm to launch. The casualty vessel had suffered an engine fire, which was fortunately extinguished.
However, the second engine was only able to achieve idle mode and was travelling at 2.2 knots. Soon after this, the casualty crew reported to the Coastguard that this engine had also failed and were drifting towards the shipping lanes.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation, deciding that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualty, in order to take them to the nearest safe haven.
A towline was secured and the casualty towed towards Harwich. Progress was very slow due to the tides, so the ALB rendezvoused with another crew transfer vessel, who was in the area, and handed over the tow.
The ALB was stood down and returned to station at 11.30pm.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone :-
- Caron Hill, Aldeburgh RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07837 263210 email [email protected]
- Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer (North and East) 01642 790636 / 07824518641/ [email protected]
- Jim Rice, RNLI Regional Media Manager (North and East), 07810658072/ [email protected]
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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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