Donate now
Shoreham RNLI assist fishing trawler experiencing engine room fire
Shoreham RNLI's volunteer crew launched on Monday 9 November to help a fishing vessel with three people on board that had issued an urgent radio call (PAN-PAN) following smoke seen coming from the engine room
The lifeboat arrived on scene around 20 minutes after launch and assessed the situation. Despite the vessel's size and weight, favourable sea and weather conditions meant that providing support was well within the lifeboat and crews' capabilities. In collaboration with the Coastguard, and confident that any potential fire was no longer alight, the decision was made to establish a tow.
Adam Cairns, Shoreham RNLI Volunteer Coxswain, said: 'Because of the suspected fire, the vessel had no power or steerage and could not be left at sea. Towing the vessel back to Shoreham was the best solution to rescue the crew of the fishing vessel. The lifeboat crew put their training into practice to ensure that this service was completed safely and effectively.'
The vessel was taken to a berth inside Shoreham Harbour where it was met by the fire service. Shoreham RNLI's volunteer crew returned to the lifeboat station just before midnight, where the boat was washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again.
RNLI Media Contacts
Liz Zachary, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]
Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]
Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.