Fowey RNLI lifeboats diverted from training to Pan Pan distress call
On August 7, Fowey’s volunteer lifeboat crew were out on their usual Sunday morning training exercises when a Pan Pan call came in.
Both lifeboats immediately headed towards the reported location, three nautical miles off Gribben, south of Cannis; the D class inshore lifeboat reached the casualty vessel first.
The six-metre Humber rib had an engine fault and was unable to get back to safety alone. The all-weather lifeboat crew set up a tow and the boat was towed back to Fowey harbour.
This was the third boat with engine failure that Fowey volunteer lifeboat crew have rescued in the past week. Machinery failure is the largest single cause of RNLI call-outs and Fowey lifeboat volunteers are once again reminding people of the importance of maintaining engines and equipment.
The RNLI advise that people carry out basic checks before setting out to sea and always carry spares. Always carry a means of calling for help so that if you do get into trouble or you see others in distress, you can call 999 and ask for HM Coastguard.
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.