Douglas RNLI called out to assist fishing boat in difficulty

Douglas RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched today (20 March) at 12.37pm at the request of the Coastguard.

A 10m fishing boat had been operating approximately 4 miles south of Douglas when its propellers were fouled by another boat’s fishing nets. Unable to clear the obstruction and make their own way the crew radioed the Coastguard for assistance.

The Douglas all-weather lifeboat, Marine Engineer, under the command of volunteer coxswain, Edd Christian, headed south out off Douglas on a calm sea and with excellent visibility quickly found the casualty vessel.

Having first ensured that the two people on board were not in need of any immediate assistance themselves the fishing boat was taken under tow back to Douglas.

With the fishing boat safely berthed the lifeboat was recovered to the boathouse where it was washed down, re-fuelled and made ready again for service by 2.45pm.