STRICKEN VESSEL FOUND AFTER FIVE HOUR SEARCH IN IRISH SEA
A
vessel that first reported suffering steering problems off the south west of
Scotland early this afternoon has now been found and towed to
safety.
Liverpool
Coastguard received a 999 call from one of the two people on board the vessel
just after 1pm this afternoon, reporting they were having mechanical problems.
They said they were was just south of Burrow Head, having set off from Oban and
heading to Liverpool.
The
Ramsey RNLI all-weather lifeboat was sent to the scene, but they could not track
down the vessel. Liverpool Coastguard managed to get hold of those on board
again and soon established they were in a different position near the Cumbrian
coast. The Workington RNLI all-weather lifeboat joined the search, but again on
arrival at this new position there was no sign of the vessel.
Further
contact was made with the two on board the boat, who were told to set off their
distress flares. These weren’t spotted by those on scene. In light of the
approaching darkness and misty conditions, the Whitehaven and Maryport
Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to carry out harbour and coastal searches. The
search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley was also sent to join in the search
and a mayday relay broadcast was made asking for any other boats to report
sightings.
The
helicopter from RAF Valley finally located the vessel just before 6pm this
evening off Harrington, Cumbria. The boat was then towed into Workington harbour
and met by the Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team.
Lucy
Hicks, Watch Manager at Liverpool Coastguard, said:
"This
was a difficult rescue as we did not have the exact location of this vessel.
They didn’t have a VHF radio on board or an emergency beacon which could have
sent a more accurate position of where they were.
"An
extensive search continued for a number of hours, and with darkness fast
approaching along with deteriorating weather conditions, we needed to find this
boat. Luckily, they were spotted by the search and rescue helicopter and then
taken to safety.
"We
always recommend that boats are well equipped with all the necessary
communications and navigation equipment on board. It's also useful to have an
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon
(PLB) with you, which can send an accurate position of where you are to the
Coastguard."