Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers launch to assist fishing boat with engine failure

When their engine failed eight nautical miles out at sea the three-man crew of the 23ft fishing boat contacted HM Coastguard to request assistance. As the fishermen were in no immediate danger the Coastguard broadcast a PAN PAN radio distress call asking any vessel in the area to help. Once it was clear that no other vessel was able to assist the stranded fishing boat the Coastguard sought help from Lyme Regis RNLI.

The volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at 1:34pm, and in calm conditions were able to reach the reported position at top speed. As they approached the scene they were guided to the casualty vessel by a Royal Navy helicopter which was operating in the area. Once on scene volunteer Helm Jon Broome assessed the situation and decided that the safest course of action was to tow the fishing boat to the safety of West Bay harbour.

Jon Broome said: 'Once we had located the fishing boat and assessed what rescue options were available to us, it was a relatively straightforward decision to tow the boat, and its crew, into West Bay harbour. Even though the sea was calm it took us about 40 minutes to get them to safety.’

Spirit of Loch Fyne returned to harbour at 3:15pm when the lifeboat was washed down and refuelled by volunteer shore crew in preparation for its next service call. This was the 16th time the volunteers from Lyme Regis RNLI have launched on service in 2025.

Notes to editors:

Photo caption: Lyme Regis RNLI inshore lifeboat approaches the drifting fishing boat to set up a towline. Photo credit: RNLI/Nick Marks

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.