Peel RNLI called out to respond to distress signals

August 18, 2024

Peel’s RNLI volunteers were called out in the early hours of Saturday (17 August) after two distress signals alerted HM Coastguard to a possible vessel in danger some 15 nautical miles northwest of Peel.

The station’s Shannon class lifeboat, Frank and Brenda Winter, was tasked at 1.45am on Saturday to search for a suspected person in the water after a Personal Locator Beacon and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) were activated.

A bulk carrier was nearby when HM Coastguard issued a mayday. It soon had sight of the disabled yacht and was able to determine that no one was in the water and all those aboard were uninjured.

With the bulk carrier standing by, the Peel lifeboat crew were able to spot a small light on the yacht and proceeded to the scene. The 37ft vessel with three persons aboard was sailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, to Portishead near Bristol, when it suddenly lost its mast along with its electrical system and means of communication.

Peel RNLI volunteer Coxswain Mike Faragher said: ‘With considerable difficulty in 3m seas, I was able to put one of our crew on the disabled vessel to begin cutting the yacht free from its mast which had broken in two places.

‘Conditions were very challenging and we were grateful for the assistance of Donaghadee’s RNLI Trent class lifeboat Macquarie, which had also been tasked by the Coastguard. One of their crew members went aboard the casualty vessel to help clear away the debris.

‘After more than two hours working in the dark on a pitching deck, the two RNLI volunteers were able to free the yacht of its mast and stays.

‘Given the vessel was in a dangerous position without any means of propulsion or communications, and its passengers were understandably distressed, it was considered necessary to tow it to safety.’

The casualty vessel was towed to Peel Harbour where an alongside tow was established and Peel lifeboat took the yacht to a berth in the marina.

Coxswain Faragher added: ‘The crew worked well as a team and worked effectively with the Donaghadee RNLI crew in testing conditions. This is what our constant training prepares us for.

‘I am very proud of their commitment and performance during a lengthy and challenging shout.’

By 10am, the lifeboat was recovered, washed down, rehoused and ready for service again.