Yesterday (February 7) crews from Douglas RNLI rescued crew members from a sinking fishing boat four miles off Laxey.
Douglas RNLI all-weather lifeboat, Joy and Charles Beeby launched at 1.29pm following a request for help from the Coastguard.
Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered another fishing boat had attempted to tow the 15m fishing vessel that was taking on water but unfortunately dropped the tow.
Sinking boat
The 15m fishing vessel was reporting taking on water, loss of power, and no communication.
The Douglas lifeboat crew immediately deployed a salvage pump to mitigate the flooding, and one of the volunteer lifeboat crew went aboard to assist in setting it up.
To ensure the safety of the vessel’s crew one of their crew member was transferred to the lifeboat.
The lifeboat crew were initially content with the pump so made the decision to tow, calling the Fire and Rescue service to support with additional pumps once back in Douglas Harbour.
The lifeboat crew assisted in transferring him to safety, providing a handheld radio for communication.
Unfortunately, efforts to salvage the vessel proved futile, and it sank at 6.47pm, approximately four miles off Laxey.
The RNLI crew then diligently collected debris including ropes, baskets, and a life raft from the scene.
RNLI
Belfast Coastguard, satisfied with the RNLI’s response and the removal of the navigation hazard, allowed the crew to stand down and return home.
Peter Cowin, Volunteer Coxswain said:
“The professionalism and dedication displayed by the young crew, including Lavinia, Rob, and Phil, was particularly commendable throughout the operation.
Peter Cowin, Volunteer Coxswain
“Although the boat unfortunately sank, we are glad we were able to bring back all the people onboard, and it is a testament to the future of this station the skills and hard work I saw from the younger crew members.”
The RNLI volunteers washed down the Joy and Charles Beeby and refuelled it to ensure the lifeboat was ready for the next emergency.
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