Torbay RNLI assists stricken Brixham trawler back to port in stormy conditions

Unable to steer due to a stuck rudder, a second fishing vessel in the vicinity initially came to the trawler’s aid. Having seen poor weather conditions prevent the second vessel from establishing a tow a number of times, and needing to also ensure the safety of any nearby vessels in the waters, HM Coastguard then tasked Torbay’s Severn class All-Weather Lifeboat to the scene at midday.

Encountering sea swells between two and three metres high, and steaming against a moderate South-Easterly wind, the ALB reached the scene at 1:40pm. In challenging sea conditions, the ALB’s seven volunteer crew were able to establish a 200m tow to the trawler before beginning the return journey.

With an ebbing tide and continued choppy seas the ALB and her tow made slow progress, reaching top speeds of just 4 knots on a five-hour return journey, before arriving back at Brixham harbour shortly before 7pm. After safely mooring the trawler at Brixham’s Fish Quay, the ALB and her crew returned to the lifeboat station where the lifeboat was readied for further service by 7:30pm.

Coxswain Richard Fowler commented: "This was a shout where our regular training really paid off. Our crew successfully established and maintained a tow in what were very challenging sea conditions. It’s only due to their skill and professionalism that we were able to bring the trawler and her three crew safely back to port."

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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