A Mayday call is a universal distress signal used to communicate with nearby vessels and the Coastguard that you are in a life threatening situation.
A fishing vessel that was 3 miles east of Teignmouth, made the distress call early on Monday morning after water began to rise in the engine room. Due to the nature of the call several other vessels in the area also made their way to assist.
The Two Annes lifeboat launched with four volunteer crew onboard and swiftly made its way to the casualty vessel where the two persons onboard were found safe. Upon arrival it was discovered that the engine room was suffering from water intake and the crew quickly established a salvage pump. Further pumps were then also provided by RNLI Exmouth volunteers who had launched their Shannon class lifeboat, arriving just after to assist.
After pumping out the engine room and lowering the water level, a tow line was able to be established between the casualty vessel and a nearby assisting fishing boat. This enabled the stricken vessel to be recovered back to the safety of Brixham Harbour.
Teignmouth RNLI then stood down, whilst Exmouth RNLI escorted both vessels back to Brixham to ensure they arrived with no further concerns.
Volunteer shore crew were on hand to help recover The Two Annes lifeboat where she was cleaned and refuelled ready for service again by 8.30am.
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.
