Douglas RNLI lifeboat was launched today (28 July) at 7.10am at the request of the Coastguard to go to the aid of a small fishing boat in difficulty.
The fishing boat with just one person on board had left Laxey harbour earlier in the morning to fish in Laxey Bay when the boat’s engine failed approximately one mile offshore. With the strong north westerly wind blowing the vessel out to sea, and the boat’s anchor failing to hold, the lone fisherman radioed the Coastguard for assistance.
Douglas RNLI all-weather lifeboat Marine Engineer was launched under the command of volunteer coxswain Graeme Cushnie. Crossing Douglas Bay in a moderate swell, the crew experienced a larger sea swell when they rounded Clay Head and by which time the fishing boat had drifted a further mile offshore.
Having made contact with the casualty vessel, and after ensuring its single occupant was not in need of any assistance himself, the small fishing boat was taken under tow. With the tide in their favour the crew of the lifeboat were able to return the casualty vessel back into Laxey harbour where the Coastguard was waiting to assist.
Leaving the fishing boat and its crew member in the care of the Coastguard the lifeboat returned to station to be re-housed, washed down, re-fuelled and was made ready again for service by 9.15am.