Motorboat Skipper Makes Mayday Call

Friday, September 11, 2009
Posted 21:50 GMT

At ten minutes past six , Swansea Coastguard received a mayday call on marine band VHF channel 16, the International Distress and calling channel from the sports boat Lady Phoebee with two people on board.

They reported that they had hit an underwater object, had lost power and were drifting towards Steepholm Island which is situated in the upper reaches of the Bristol Channel.

Swansea Coastguard made a Mayday relay broadcast and requested the launch of the Penarth RNLI inshore lifeboat. The anchored sand dredger Welsh Piper responded to the broadcast and offered assistance. They weighed anchor and proceeded to the sports boat position, where they were able to stand by the sports boat and await the arrival of the lifeboat.

The lifeboat escorted the sports boat back to harbour who had managed to resume some power and were able to make minimum speed.

The weather this evening was light airs, good visibility and a calm sea.

Dai Jones, Swansea Coastguard said:

The skipper of the Lady Phoebee was correctly equipped with a VHF radio and had taken the correct action in calling the Coastguard. We were able to get someone to his aid quickly, until the lifeboat arrived.

Fortunately for the skipper and his crew, their situation improved and they were able to make their own way back escorted by the lifeboat.

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