ANGLERS RESCUED FROM FOG

Two anglers were rescued this afternoon from thick fog after their vessel broke down.
The ‘Elvie’ called Whitby Harbour office at just after 10.30 this morning to say that the vessel had broken down with two people on board. They gave their position as 8km east of Whitby.
The harbour office called Humber Coastguard. Whitby RNLI Lifeboat was asked to go to the vessel’s assistance and the Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team went to harbour to glean as much information about the vessel as they could.
Humber Coastguard attempted to contact the ‘Elvie’ to confirm their location but couldn’t contact them. It later transpired that this was because the vessel’s battery was flat and so their VHF radio wouldn’t work.
Luckily they hadn’t drifted in the fog and the Whitby RNLI Lifeboat quickly found the ‘Elvie’. The lifeboat then brought the vessel back to Whitby Harbour where they were met by the Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team.
Graham Dawson, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager said:
"If you are thinking about heading out in a small boat in thick fog please remember it’s not just about what you can see but whether other vessels can see you. Without radar reflectors small boats may be invisible to large ships.
"Simple checks, like battery charge can make a difference between an enjoyable day’s fishing and a frustrating day waiting to be rescued. Before you set out prepare well so that you can have a safe and enjoyable time. If you do get into difficulty your first call should be to the Coastguard. Use your VHF radio on channel 16 or call 999 on your mobile and ask for the Coastguard.”

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