FISHING VESSEL SINKS OFF LULWORTH COVE


Two crew members were rescued from a liferaft south of Lulworth Cove this afternoon after their vessel started sinking and they had to abandon.

At 13.50, the two crew on board the 11 metre fishing vessel ‘Rowella’ made a mayday broadcast stating that they were taking on water and sinking 3.5 miles south of Lulworth Cove.  Portland Coastguard received the mayday and sent the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Portland, along with requesting the immediate launch of the Weymouth RNLI Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats.  Portland Coastguard then relayed the mayday call, and four vessels that were in the area also proceeded to the vessel’s location.

The helicopter was first to arrive on scene, and winched the two crew members to safety from the liferaft and flew them back to Portland.  The crew of the two RNLI lifeboats attempted to stabilise the vessel but unfortunately at 14.43 the boat sank.

The crew members were met at the helicopter base by the Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Officers, who reported that the two men – local to the Portland area – were cold and shocked but otherwise unharmed.

Portland Coastguard Watch Manager Andrew Jenkins said:

“We are pleased that thanks to the swift response of the helicopter, lifeboats and the fishing vessels that responded to the call, the two crew members were brought safely ashore and needed no medical attention.  The two lifeboats remained on scene to ensure that any flotsam that might have come to the surface from the vessel did not pose a hazard to other craft in the area and all relevant authorities have been informed.”

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