MAYDAY AFTER FISHING VESSELS COLLIDE

Belfast Coastguard assisted two fishing vessels after they collided in the mouth of Strangford Lough whilst one was towing the other on 18 April 2001.

Coastguard received a mayday message from the fishing vessel 'Walpaul' via Liverpool Coastguard at 10.40 pm last night (17/04/01) to report that assistance would be required. He reported that the 'Azure Sea', a Dublin registered 75 ft fishing vessel with 2 people on board collided with the 'Walpaul', a converted 75 ft fishing vessel, also with 2 on board. The ‘Walpaul’ was towing ‘Azure Sea’ when the tow parted and the ‘Walpaul’ started taking water

Belfast Coastguard broadcast a mayday relay message to which 'Salmoor', a fleet tender vessel responded. A rescue helicopter from RAF Kinloss, along with a Nimrod from Kinloss was put on standby. In addition, Newcastle Lifeboat, Portaferry Inshore Lifeboat, and Donaghadee Lifeboat were also requested to attend the scene.

The ‘Salmoor’ was the first to the scene and launched its fast rescue boat to stand alongside until the lifeboats arrived. Once Newcastle Lifeboat arrived, a tow was attached to the Azure Sea and the vessel was taken to Ardglass. The Donaghadee Lifeboat arrived a few minutes later and the ‘Walpaul’ was towed by the Lifeboat to Ardglass.

John Hope, Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator at Belfast Coastguard said "It is not clear at the moment how this accident happened although we are pleased to report that both crews are safe and well with no injuries.