Sailing vessel dragging its anchor prompts Fishguard RNLI launch

Crew were already assembling at the lifeboat station for an earlier than usual training session with input from local kayakers when at 5.10pm the pagers sounded with a request from HM Coastguard.

The request was to launch the charity’s Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII to aid a 13m late 19th century sailing vessel anchored near Fishguard Fort. With the casualty vessel visible from the station and an ebbing tide, a joint decision was made between launch authority, station coxswain and inshore lifeboat helm that the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson would also be launched to provide assistance.

Both lifeboats made best speed to the location and the all-weather lifeboat crew began setting up towing equipment.

As the lifeboats arrived on scene it was evident that the casualty vessel had begun to touch the sea bed. The inshore lifeboat crew made contact with the two persons onboard to establish if there were any injuries, and were informed that anchors had been deployed from the bow and stern and the two crew intended to remain onboard.

As the lifeboats stood by it became evident that the vessel had lost or was dragging an anchor and subsequently grounded on a bar, an assessment of the situation was carried out and due to the risk and unknown state of the casualty vessel, establishing a tow would not be a viable option. Efforts were made by the inshore lifeboat crew to secure the vessel, however with worsening conditions the lifeboat was approaching its operational limit.

With the wind and size of swell increasing, the inshore lifeboat helm again made the offer to remove the two casualty crew to shore, however this was declined. Given the increased wind and swell height the decision was made that it was no longer safe for the inshore lifeboat crew to continue and the volunteer crew returned to station.

In the meantime, Fishguard Coastguard Rescue Team arrived on scene to monitor from the shore whilst the all weather lifeboat stood by and rigged their searchlights due to the fading light. By this time the tide had turned and had begun to come back in, however it was still not deep enough for the lifeboat to approach safely. In addition to this the prevailing conditions were pushing the casualty vessel closer to shore.

A Coastguard helicopter was requested along with a second Coastguard Rescue Team from Moylegrove, to assist should the Coastguards need to enter the water. An alternative option was proposed by the Lower Town Harbour Master and crew of a local fishing vessel to undertake a tow themselves as their vessel could operate in the shallow water.

With the tow established the fishing vessel took the casualty into deeper water and made for a barge on a mooring near the North Breakwater. The lifeboat escorted the two vessels and monitored the situation whilst the sailing vessel was secured to the barge. With the casualty vessel secured and no injuries to the crew onboard, the lifeboat was then stood down.

Full-time station Coxswain, Gemma Gill, said:

‘The location and size of the casualty vessel, combined with the prevailing conditions created a number of challenges for both our lifeboats. The inshore lifeboat was operating close to its limits and the helm demonstrated excellent seamanship in the conditions, keeping his own crew safe.

'Once a vessel is aground it is difficult to assess any damage below the waterline, and whether towing would exacerbate the situation. The lifeboat stood by to provide assistance to the person’s onboard should it be required, and this was extended to the crew of the fishing vessel as they took it under tow until the incident was brought to a safe conclusion.’

Notes to editor:

• Attached photo (Photo 1) shows Fishguard lifeboats on scene at the incident (Wednesday 9 October 2024). Photo credit: RNLI/Fishguard
• Attached photo (Photo 2) shows the crew of the inshore lifeboat conducting an assessment of the casualty. (Wednesday 9 October 2024) Photo credit: RNLI/Fishguard

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For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or RNLI Regional Communications Manager Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith on [email protected] / 07977 728 315 or Regional Communications Lead Danielle Rush on [email protected] or 07786 668 829

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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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