Fishing Vessel Goes Aground Twice in One Day

Thames Coastguard requested the Burnham RNLI Inshore Lifeboat to launch to the 13.2 metre fishing vessel Rebbecan, PW406, at 5.00 am today. The vessel was aground in the River Crouch. The fishing vessel, under new ownership, was on passage from Paglesham to Sunderland.

 

Once on scene the lifeboat assessed the vessel to ensure all was well onboard and offered safety advice before returning to station. The vessel refloated and was escorted by the Harbour Launch to the entrance of the River Crouch.

 

At 2.00 pm Thames Coastguard received a mayday distress call from the same vessel stating that they thought that they had engine failure and were aground on the Foulness Sands. Burnham Lifeboat was requested to launch again and Bradwell Coastguard Rescue Team were sent to assist. It seems that the vessel had not suffered engine failure, but that alarms were sounding because it had grounded again.

 

The lifeboat crew restarted the Rebeccans engines and began to escort her to Burnham Yacht Harbour. However, shortly afterwards one of the crew from Rebeccan became unwell and was evacuated by the lifeboat to the yacht harbour and an awaiting ambulance.

 

Meanwhile the Rebeccan with two lifeboat crew now onboard, made its way to Burnham Yacht Harbour.

 

Bradwell Coastguard and South Essex Sector Manager were in attendance.

 

Karen Paradise, Thames Coastguard Watch Manager says: We were very concerned for the safety of the two crew onboard the Rebeccan. One of them had very limited experience and one did not have any at all.

 

If you are going to set to sea, please make sure that you and your crew are adequately trained and experienced. You can do this by taking a relevant course. If you need advice, speak to your local marine office or coastguard.

 

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401