Minehead's RNLI crew locate drifting vessel by radar
| Published: 7th October 2008 12:53 |
A 70 ft ex tug proved difficult for volunteer Lifeboat crews to locate in heavy fog on Sunday morning
Report from: RNLI Minehead
Minehead's volunteer RNLI Lifeboat crew were called into action at approximately 11.45 hrs on Sunday following reports from a local fishing boat that a visiting ex tug called Cannis was drifting in the Bristol Channel.
Attempts to contact the skipper of the boat by VHF radio had failed and it was reported that the vessel had been plagued by mechanical problems since her arrival in Minehead Harbour some weeks ago
Andrew Escott
The stations Atlantic 85 Lifeboat was launched with volunteer helmsman Andrew Escott in command and quickly proceeded to the last known sighting of the Cannis. Visibility was down to half a mile hampered by heavy fog and rain. Sea conditions were moderate blowing force 4 with a 1 metre swell.
Using the Atlantic 85's state of the art radar system the boat was located 5 miles off Lynmouth. She was making slow progress but the skipper was happy to continue his passage to Ilfracombe.
Volunteer Helmsman Andrew Escott commented "it appears that even though the Cannis was in no immediate danger the Lifeboat's radar system proved invaluable. I doubt we would have located the vessel as quickly without this vital piece of lifesaving equipment"
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