Fishing Vessel Rescue 18 Miles Out: St Marys RNLI Crew Bring Crew and Vessel Safely Home

On the night of 23rd October 2024, the St Marys RNLI Lifeboat Station crew was called into action for their twelfth shout of the year. Just before 9:50 p.m., the crew’s pagers alerted them to a distress call 18 nautical miles south of St Marys, where a 40-foot fishing vessel, carrying four crew members, had become disabled after fouling its propeller with its own fishing gear.

Challenging Conditions En Route

Facing a challenging southerly wind and rough sea conditions, the lifeboat set off, covering the distance to reach the fishing vessel just before 11 p.m. The fishing vessel was drifting in the Traffic Separation Scheme, creating potential hazards in the busy area. Given the situation, the RNLI crew made the decision to establish a tow line to bring the vessel and its crew back to safety.

A Cautious Tow Back to Harbour

The crew carefully secured the tow line and began the gradual journey back to St Marys, considered the closest safe haven for the disabled fishing vessel. After several hours, the vessel was finally brought into St Marys Harbour, arriving at 3 a.m. The RNLI crew, including Pete Hicks, Truan Hicks, Andrew Hicks, Archie Hicks, Eldred Banfield, Lee Sandford, and Russell Hutchins, then spent time ensuring the All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB) was squared away before stepping ashore at 3:30 a.m.

RNLI Lifesaving in Action

The quick response and expert seamanship of the St Marys RNLI crew highlight the dedication of lifeboat volunteers who work tirelessly to safeguard lives at sea.

Picture is from Marine Traffic which shows both the earlier exercise and the shout tracks