Ramsey’s Mersey class RNLI lifeboat, the RNLB Ann and James Ritchie, was launched on Saturday afternoon (13th July) to go to the assistance of two leisure craft in two separate incidents.
Ramsey Lifeboat was initially launched at around 15:30 to go to the rescue of a small sailing vessel situated approximately two miles east of Ramsey. The vessel had experienced a near-capsize during which its crew of two were thrown into the water. The pair managed to re-board their vessel but were unable to start the engine and put out a radio distress call. Ramsey lifeboat arrived on scene within 10 minutes of being launched.
The Ramsey coxswain, Mark Kenyon, observed that the two people onboard the sailing vessel although unhurt and wearing buoyancy aids, were very shocked and wet and made the decision to transfer them to the lifeboat. Two of the lifeboat's volunteer crew then took charge of the sailing vessel, which was taken safely in tow to Ramsey Harbour, where it was secured.
The lifeboat was then immediately re-tasked at request of Liverpool Coastguard to go to the assistance of a rigid inflatable boat with two persons on board and experiencing engine failure, situated approximately 2 miles south east of Maughold Head. This vessel was also towed to the safety of Ramsey Harbour. The lifeboat crew were stood down at around 18:00 after the lifeboat had been recarriaged, washed down, returned to the boathouse and refuelled.
Dr Gordon Dickens, who is a volunteer with Ramsey RNLI Lifeboat and RNLI Sea Safety Officer for the Isle of Man later commented, “Happily these two incidents resulted in the safe return of the crews and their vessels to harbour. With this spell of warmer weather, many leisure craft and their crews are enjoying the seas. But please, if you are unsure about any matter concerned with safety at sea, or would like one-to-one informal advice on your boat and equipment, a member of the Sea Safety Team is happy to call on you at your boat. This can be arranged by calling me on 475979.”
He continued, “This is perhaps a good opportunity to remind boat users of some simple safety precautions they can take to help them enjoy the seas with minimal risk.
“Ensure your vessel is in a seaworthy condition and fit for the proposed trip; make sure your engine is serviced and you have plenty of fuel. Have an alternative means of propulsion in case the engine fails, such as oars or a small outboard motor.
“Have a reliable means of communication such as a fully-charged hand-held VHF radio. If you go out often consider a VHF training course so you can make maximum use of your radio.
“Please do not depend on a mobile phone, it may not be good enough!
“Check the weather forecasts/wind strengths and state of the tide.
“Wear a lifejacket, buoyancy aids are fine for dinghies and kayaks close inshore, but only provide 1/3 of the support of a lifejacket which is better to wear if you are venturing further from shore.
“And finally, tell someone ashore your plans and expected time of return.”
