Douglas RNLI lifeboat was launched today (22 October) at 8.25pm when a fishing vessel reported a fire in its galley.
The 21m fishing vessel with seven crew on board was approximately 13 miles south of Douglas when they reported the fire. The Steam Packet’s fast craft Manannan on route to Douglas from Liverpool was put on standby to assist as was helicopter Rescue 196. In the event the casualty vessel’s crew managed to bring the fire under control and both Manannan and Rescue 196 were stood down as the Douglas all weather lifeboat, Sir William Hillary, under the command of coxswain Graeme Cushnie made for the casualty vessel.
A radio conversation between the lifeboat’s volunteer mechanic Peter Cowin and Belfast Coastguard overheard on the lifeboat station’s VHF radio at 9.00pm confirmed that the casualty vessel had been located and was making its own way to Douglas. Having confirmed that no immediate assistance was required the lifeboat escorted the fishing vessel back to Douglas and a berth on the King Edward Pier.
