Survey Vessel Aground At Newgale Requires RNLI Assistance
St Davids RNLI were requested to assist a 24.5 metre survey vessel aground at Newgale beach by HM Coastguard at 6:28pm on Tuesday 14th January.
All-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched into darkness at 6:40pm and made best speed to Newgale where three to five foot surf waves were landing on the shingle ridge at high tide. The daughter boat was launched to assess the situation.
The twin engined 100 tonne vessel had experienced one engine failure which saw the boat unable to maintain a stern to sea position. As a result, the vessel was broadside onto the pebbles with waves inundating the deck.
Following a request for RNLI salvage pumps, St Davids RNLI Coxswain Will Chant requested the assistance of the Little and Broad Haven D Class lifeboat to assist with pump transfer. Sea conditions ruled out this option so consideration was given to setting up a towline. Due to the size and weight of the stricken vessel, concerns over water ingress and its position on the pebbles, the decision was taken to not compromise the safety of the lifeboats and volunteer crew.
The vessel’s crew were well and able to alight by foot onto the shingle ridge, at which point the lifeboats were stood down and returned to station, with Norah Wortley back readied for service by 8:20pm.
Will Chant, RNLI Coxswain for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, said: ‘The RNLI mission is to save lives at sea, and we endeavour to save boats if possible, but it is beyond our remit to salvage. In this instance, the size of vessel and its position broadside to the beach compromised a tow, therefore once assured the crew were safe ashore, there was nothing further our lifeboats could do.’
Survey Vessel Aground At Newgale Requires RNLI Assistance
St Davids RNLI were requested to assist a 24.5 metre survey vessel aground at Newgale beach by HM Coastguard at 6:28pm on Tuesday 14th January.
All-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched into darkness at 6:40pm and made best speed to Newgale where three to five foot surf waves were landing on the shingle ridge at high tide. The daughter boat was launched to assess the situation.
The twin engined 100 tonne vessel had experienced one engine failure which saw the boat unable to maintain a stern to sea position. As a result, the vessel was broadside onto the pebbles with waves inundating the deck.
Following a request for RNLI salvage pumps, St Davids RNLI Coxswain Will Chant requested the assistance of the Little and Broad Haven D Class lifeboat to assist with pump transfer. Sea conditions ruled out this option so consideration was given to setting up a towline. Due to the size and weight of the stricken vessel, concerns over water ingress and its position on the pebbles, the decision was taken to not compromise the safety of the lifeboats and volunteer crew.
The vessel’s crew were well and able to alight by foot onto the shingle ridge, at which point the lifeboats were stood down and returned to station, with Norah Wortley back readied for service by 8:20pm.
Will Chant, RNLI Coxswain for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, said: ‘The RNLI mission is to save lives at sea, and we endeavour to save boats if possible, but it is beyond our remit to salvage. In this instance, the size of vessel and its position broadside to the beach compromised a tow, therefore once assured the crew were safe ashore, there was nothing further our lifeboats could do.’