Port St Mary RNLI lifeboat launched to aid stranded local fishing vessel
Port St Mary RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, the Henry Heys Duckworth, was launched on Tuesday 23 June 2026 after a local fishing vessel experienced mechanical problems south west of the Calf of Man.
The lifeboat launched at 1.39pm with eight volunteer crew members after HM Coastguard requested assistance. The vessel, around 9 miles offshore, had been left drifting after losing propulsion. When the lifeboat arrived on scene at 2.46pm, the two people on board were safe and well and were wearing lifejackets, but their vessel remained unable to manoeuvre.
On assessment, the lifeboat crew found that, as the vessel had drifted, fishing gear had become entangled beneath the hull. With the vessel unable to manoeuvre and drifting, it presented a potential hazard to other traffic in the area. It was concluded the safest course of action was to establish a tow from the lifeboat. As the tow got underway, the movement of the vessel helped to free the tangled gear, which was then recovered.
With the situation under control, the vessel was towed safely back to Port St Mary Harbour which was the nearest suitable port, arriving at 5.30pm. The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for service again by 6pm.
Mike Teare, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Port St Mary RNLI, said:
'Even on calm days, engine problems can quickly leave you drifting and unable to manoeuvre. We’d always encourage boat users to carry a reliable means of calling for help, wear appropriate safety equipment, let someone know your plans before heading out, and make sure your engine and equipment are well maintained.'
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Gav Callow, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Port St Mary RNLI, [email protected] 07624 487088
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]k
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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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