St Marys RNLI launch to boat on fire

The volunteer crew were paged at 17:35pm and launched the lifeboat heading towards the vessel which was 22 miles south east of St Mary’s. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 6:40pm

Once on scene the crew found the four occupants of the vessel already had their dinghy launched and grab bags ready. The skipper reported the fire to be out but smoke was still present in the saloon.

Because there was no guarantee that the fire was out, a tow was not deemed to be a safe option, permission would also need to be obtained to enter any safe haven. The skipper of the vessel made the decision that they felt able to try and start the good engine, believing the fire had been on the turbo of the other engine. The RNLI crew advised extreme caution going anywhere near the engine bays and remained on standby.

The skipper started the engine and immediately shut it down as black smoke was instantly visible. All on board were instructed to abandon the vessel immediately.

Pete Hicks, Coxswain, brought the lifeboat alongside, the passengers were safely extracted and the lifeboat got clear of the vessel.

Once the passengers of the vessel were on board the lifeboat they were checked for injuries and smoke inhalation by RNLI crew members before been taken to St Mary's Harbour and landed safely where they were met by local friends.

The lifeboat was refuelled and returned to it’s mooring. An hour after been stood down a passing ship reported the vessel completely ablaze. St Marys RNLI were not tasked back to this.

RNLI Media Contacts

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact:

Rosie Tocknell Lifeboat Press Officer for St Marys RNLI on 07793198122 or email [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.