Two rescued after vessel catches fire and drifts onto rocks

The ILB chased the drifting vessel through the Islands, where the crew had already extinguished the engine fire using a dry powder extinguisher.

Although the fire was out, the vessel was left immobile as the swell continued to push it towards the rocks.

The crew began assessing whether the vessel could be towed. During this, a wave lifted the vessel, leaving it at risk of capsizing.

The crew prioritised the safety of the casualties over the vessel. Following a towing assessment, the decision was made not to tow. The ILB crew picked up the two casualties, brought them aboard the ILB and took them safely ashore.

Abandoning the vessel proved to be the right decision. As the swell continued to build, the vessel was washed onto the rocks off Mumbles Lighthouse.

When it was safe to do so, the ILB returned to the vessel to make it environmentally safe. Portable fuel cans were removed as a precaution and, fortunately, there were no signs of fuel or oil pollution.

As the tide fell, the vessel was left stranded on the rocks awaiting potential recovery.

Paul Williams, Launch Authority at The Mumbles RNLI, said: "The crew assessed the situation on arrival and determined that the safest way to preserve life was to evacuate the two people on board. Once they were safe, the vessel could be dealt with at a later stage."

Jack Cawsey Williams, Helm at The Mumbles RNLI, said: "A fire at sea can escalate in seconds. Keep your vessel well maintained, carry a suitable fire extinguisher, make sure it's in date and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard as soon as you need help."

This was the second call in two days for The Mumbles RNLI. The day before, the all-weather lifeboat launched to two paddleboarders reported to be in difficulty off Oxwich. Fortunately, they made it safely ashore, allowing the volunteer crew to return to station.

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Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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