COASTGUARD NEWS - EASTERN REGION                

 <Back
Eastern 082/01
8 August 2001

COASTGUARD RUSHES PUMPS TO 100 YR OLD FISHING VESSEL

Tyne Tees Coastguard were contacted at 3.10am on 8 August 2001 by the 100 year old herring drifter 'Reaper' belonging to Anstruther Museum that began taking water as it was on its way from Anstruther to Hartlepool.

Whilst the vessel’s captain was in contact with coastguard he upgraded his call to a pan situation (one down from a mayday) and requested assistance.

Coastguard requested Amble Lifeboat to launch and the Rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer was scrambled to take pumps to the vessel that was 10 miles north east of Coquet Island.

Once the lifeboat was on scene it transferred the pump over to the 70 ft vessel. The pump managed to keep up with the ingress of water and ‘Reaper’ was escorted into Amble by the lifeboat.

Tony Tuton, Tyne Tees Coastguard Watch Manager said, "This was an excellent operation by the lifeboat since the weather for undertaking action of this type was very poor with nearly gale force winds and a 10-12 foot swell. "

Titbit:

‘Reaper’ (FR 958) is an historic "Fifie" herring drifter built by J&G Forbes boatyard of Sandhaven in 1901 and as launched the following year and is the oldest surviving vessel of its kind.

The Reaper is the most historic vessel owned by the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther and is equipped to show the history of the herring fishing industry.

"Fifies" were once common all around the Scottish coast. Nowadays the Reaper is sailed by volunteers to attend events all over Britain to highlight the history of the fishing industry.