COASTGUARD ADVISE BOAT OWNERS TO GET APPROPRIATE TRAINING

Press release:215-11                                                                                  2 August 2011
At 09.50pm, Solent Coastguard responded to a mayday call from a vessel called Ribcraft.
Solent Coastguard broadcast a mayday relay and two leisure vessels responded that were in the vicinity.
Solent Coastguard called out the Lymington Coastguard rescue team and requested the launch of the Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat.
The skipper of the mayday vessel on questioning then indicated to Solent Coastguard that they had run out of fuel, they were displaying navigation lights and had lifejackets. They had no means of identifying their position and no anchor onboard so were unable to anchor.
The skipper of the ribcraft then confirmed that he did have some spare fuel onboard and that he was able to get back to Lymington Marina under his own power.
Alan Waters, Duty Watch Manager, Solent Coastguard said:
If you are going to sea, please ensure that you have the correct and necessary equipment to get you out of trouble. In this particular incident, a GPS, an anchor and knowing that you enough fuel to make your trip and return safely to port are all items that should be on your checklist.
We would always recommend that all boat users should know how to use a radio and the correct distress procedures. Check with your local yacht or boat club or the RYA as to how you can obtain training.

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