Hartlepool RNLI rescue fishing boat

Hartlepool RNLI were scrambled to rescue a fishing boat that had suffered mechanical failure more than 20 miles off-shore yesterday.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Mar 2016, 18:24 BST
Updated 14th Mar 2016, 18:31 BST
Hartlepool RNLI Assistant Mechanic Mark Barker transfers to the stricken fishing boatHartlepool RNLI Assistant Mechanic Mark Barker transfers to the stricken fishing boat
Hartlepool RNLI Assistant Mechanic Mark Barker transfers to the stricken fishing boat

The all-weather lifeboat Betty Huntbatch was launched at the request of the Humber Coastguard to go to the aid of a 25-foot pleasure fishing boat with two people on board 22.5 miles north east of the town.

The boat was launched at 12.12pm and arrived on scene at 1.16pm.

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"The weather was misty and visibility was down to less than a mile and the casualty had drifted over a mile from her original location.’ said Assistant Coxwain Garry Waugh.

"When we pulled alongside we found out the stricken vessel was unable to start due to a flat battery.

"We took her under tow for what would have been a three- hour return to Hartlepool. After about 10 minutes it was decided to put Assistant Mechanic Mark Barker on board the fishing boat to see if he could get her started.

"Mark managed to fix the battery terminal and, using our spare battery, managed to bring the engines to life.

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"We escorted the the casualty back to Kafiga landings at Hartlepool Fish Quay arriving at 3.20pm and we were back at Hartlepool Lifeboat station at 3.25pm and ready for service at 3.45pm."

Hartlepool RNLI Operations Manager Mike Craddy added: "‘It is important all equipment is checked and serviceable before setting out to sea.’

Related topics:HartlepoolRNLI