Both lifeboats
proceeded in the darkness to the scene where upon
arrival they spotted a fishing vessel which was
lifting badly and rapidly taking on water.
All six crew on the stricken vessel were wearing
lifejackets and survival suits and had prepared
their life raft for deployment.
Three RNLI crew from the all-weather lifeboat were
transferred to the vessel. Using a salvage pump they
started to pump water from the boat and continued
for over an hour.
Once the boat was stabilised, the lifeboat escorted
the vessel safely back to shore at Rathmullun where
it arrived at 7am this morning.
Lough Swilly RNLI coxswain Mark Barnett said: ‘The
six fishermen deserve to be commended for their
quick actions. They called for help once they got
into difficultly and had their life raft ready if
needed in an emergency. The boat had taken on a
considerable amount of water but thankfully our crew
was able to assist and avoid the vessel from sinking
and assist the men safely back to shore." |