Port Erin RNLI Lifeboat launched after pan pan from yacht with engine failure

The 9m yacht had one person on board, who was beginning to suffer with the effects of seasickness in moderate sea conditions, with the yacht in danger of drifting out to sea owing to a stiff north-westerly force 5 breeze.

The volunteer crew launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Neil Crowe at 12.05pm, close to the time of high water, and made good speed to the casualty vessel, located approximately 1.5 miles west of Port Erin RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Once at the scene, the volunteer crew checked on the skipper of the vessel who, despite feeling seasick, was otherwise uninjured. Helm Tony Mitchell manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside the casualty vessel, and crew member Matthew Perry was transferred over to it, who was then able to get the mainsail straightened out.

The yacht was recovered to Port Erin Bay under sail with lifeboat Neil Crowe staying very close, and brought safely alongside the visiting moorings. The crew brought the casualty back to the jetty from where the shore crew collected him and took him back to the station for a nice cup of tea.

Helm Tony Mitchell said: ‘As a skipper it is vital to keep radio equipment licensed and maintained, also to know how and when to send a pan pan broadcast. It is also important to carry out engine checks regularly and prior to leaving the harbour.

'In this case, the skipper knew exactly what to do and, once given his cup of tea, the colour quickly returned to his face.’

The launch was authorised by Duty Launch Authority, Lewis Ridgway. Crew were Helm Tony Mitchell, Sam Kennaugh, Matthew Perry and John-Paul Walker. Shore Crew were Head Launcher, Jason Fleming, Iain Wilkinson, Tom Mooney and Melissa Bills, who took great care of the casualty.

The lifeboat was recovered and made ready for service at 12.53pm.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Port Erin Lifeboat Press Officer, Niki Beesley on [email protected] or 07624 481410.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.