Weymouth Lifeboat volunteer crew assist French boat on fire
On Saturday 13 August, the crew were called to reports of a French fishing vessel with a fire on board approximately 32 nautical miles south east of Portland Bill.
Weymouth RNLI's all-weather lifeboat was paged at 12:20am and on the scene standing by at 1:55am.
Luckily there was good visibility and only a gentle breeze.
A helicopter, Swanage lifeboat and a French lifeboat crew were also tasked to assist and on the scene.
A French rescue helicopter successfully managed to drop firefighters on board the casualty vessel, meaning Weymouth & Swanage lifeboat crews could be released at 2:33am and return home safely to their beds.
The lifeboat was back alongside the station, refuelled and ready for service by 4:45am.
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.