Brixham Coastguard received a mayday alert at 6:07 p.m. on 18 December 2000 from the 28ft fishing vessel 'Arrant' which became stranded on rocks on the west side of Looe Island along with the 31ft fishing vessel 'Marigold', which had gone to the assistance of 'Arrant' and ended up washed over rocks sitting in water but likewise stranded.

Brixham Coastguard scrambled the rescue helicopter from the Royal Naval base at Culdrose, tasked the Looe Coastguard Rescue Team, and requested the launch of the Looe inshore lifeboat along with the Fowey lifeboat.

The Looe lifeboat arrived on scene at 6:21 p.m. and was able to get 'Arrant' clear of the rocks, the vessel retained steering and power and appeared to be sound. Fowey lifeboat assisted 'Marigold' and both vessels were to be escorted or towed to local boat yards for checks.

Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager Alf Tupper commented, "Luckily for both these vessels the RNLI lifeboats were able to get to the scene within minutes of the mayday and so averted any injury or further damage to the vessels."

'Arrant, with two crew onboard, is registered in Fowey, 'Marigold, also with two crew onboard, is registered in Looe Island.

Weather on scene was force 3 south-easterly winds with good visibility.