Penarth RNLI rescues four from sinking vessel
12th July 2021
On the morning of Saturday, 26 June, both of RNLI Penarth’s lifeboats launched following a Mayday call from a 7m fishing vessel taking on water near Lavernock Point, an area known for its strong currents.
After arriving on scene, RNLI Penarth’s volunteer crew worked quickly to transfer the four men from the fishing vessel onto the Atlantic 85 lifeboat. Once the casualties were safely ashore at Penarth Lifeboat Station, the volunteer crew attempted to recover the vessel. However, it sank within minutes, before it could be towed to shore.
RNLI Barry Dock’s all-weather lifeboat stood by ready to provide assistance, while Penarth Coastguard Rescue Team attended on the shore.
RNLI Penarth helm Hugh Kelsall said: “When we saw the location of the boat and it being nose-down in the water, along with the speed of the dropping tide, our priority was to make sure the people aboard the fishing vessel were recovered safely.
“Boats taking on water can sink in a matter of minutes or even seconds, and if people end up in the water, the situation quickly becomes much more dangerous.
“It’s a great shame when a vessel can’t be recovered, and it can’t have been a nice experience for the fishing boat’s crew. But they did the right thing in calling for help, and thanks to the quick actions of the RNLI crews and the Coastguard, the four men are safe and well.”
This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.30 here. Main image credit: RNLI Penarth.
