Marine Times

Kilkeel RNLI Aid One Person on a 30ft Fishing Vessel with Engine Failure

Kilkeel RNLI launched at 7.15pm Tuesday 5 May 2021 to go to the aid of a 30ft fishing vessel with one person on board.

The fishing vessel was 12 miles east of Kilkeel harbour and in good visibility with a force 4/5 north west wind the volunteer crew arrived safely on scene. Having ascertained that the casualty was fine, and that the fishing vessel had engine failure due to a faulty fuel filter it was decided to establish a tow. A crew member was then transferred to the stricken boat to assist in attaching a tow rope.

The fishing vessel was safely towed into Kilkeel harbour and berthed at the pontoon where engineers and Kilkeel Coastguard were in attendance. (photo above courtesy Leslie Campbell / RNLI)

Speaking later, John Fisher, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘I thank the crew for the speed in which they responded to the call as well as their high levels of professionalism. Bringing everyone home safe is always the outcome we want. Thanks as well to Kilkeel Coastguard for their help.’

Night Launch by Ballyglass RNLI Rescues Five Fishermen 25 Miles North of Erris Head

Ballyglass RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch on Tuesday night (4th May) by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a local fishing vessel in difficulty 25 nautical miles north of Erris Head.

The volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted by pager at 10pm and rushed to the aid of the vessel, making their way there through heavy seas. The skipper had called the Coast Guard when a rope had fouled the propeller making it impossible for them to proceed. There was a strong north-westerly wind force 6-7 and poor visibility making for challenging conditions for both lifeboat and the casualty vessel.

Once on scene the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and proceeded to set up tow ropes to bring the crabber and her five crew safely home to Ballyglass pier. It was a slow and arduous return in the dark and they reached the harbour just after daybreak.

The lifeboat was then refuelled, washed down and was back on her mooring by 8.30am, after which the volunteer crew then departed for their day jobs.

James Mangan, Ballyglass RNLI Coxswain, said : ‘There was a fantastic response by so many of our voluteer crew who showed up at such a late hour on a wild night. It’s a testament to their dedication and training that a successful rescue was carried out under challenging conditions. We were happy to give assistance to the fishing crew who were going about their work when they got into difficulty. Though we are a charity, we have the best of equipment and training to ensure we are always ready to save lives at sea.’