First shout for Barry Dock Coxswain as dredger drifts close to the shore

The vessel was unable to drop anchor due to a hydraulics failure caused by the lack of power, meaning the crew had no means of stopping the drift. With the risk of the dredger grounding, urgent assistance was required to manage the risk of serious environmental damage due to diesel and oil spillage.

The Bristol Interceptor pilot boat was first on scene and attempted to establish a tow. However, the tow line repeatedly parted, and the Bristol Interceptor could not safely establish a secure tow. With the dredger still drifting towards the coast, Barry Dock RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard. The Shannon lifeboat, with Andrew Sykes on his first shout as a qualified Coxswain Afloat Mechanic, was quickly launched. On arrival, the RNLI volunteer crew successfully took over from the Bristol Interceptor, established a tow line aboard and pulled the dredger away from the immediate danger of running aground.

Recognising the challenges of towing such a heavy vessel over a longer distance, the RNLI crew requested assistance from a working tug based at Barry Dock. Once the tug arrived and established a tow, Barry Dock RNLI stood by until the situation was fully under control and the vessel was safely under tow back to port.

Andrew Sykes, Coxswain from RNLI Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station, said:

‘This was certainly a first shout to remember. The crew performed brilliantly to secure a line and prevent the risk of an environmental incident. I’m pleased to have taken the helm for the first time as Coxswain and to have had a successful outcome. It was a great example of teamwork, and I’m proud of how the crew handled it.’

The incident highlighted the importance of the RNLI’s 24/7 service and the coordination between agencies when large vessels are in difficulty. Thanks to the quick response from the RNLI and the support of the Bristol Interceptor pilot boat and the tug, both the vessel and coastline were protected from potentially significant harm.

END

Notes to Editors:

· Andrew is currently spending time at Barry Dock to help cover crew leave and to build his experience on the station’s Shannon class lifeboat.

· The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland.

Barry Dock lifeboat stations operate in the Vale of Glamorgan, launching lifeboats in all weather conditions to respond to emergencies.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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