COASTGUARD NEWS - SOUTHERN                  

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Southern 064/00
20 December, 2000

 MAYDAY ALERT FROM FISHING VESSEL

Brixham Coastguard received a Mayday call at 8:12 a.m. on the 20 December 2000 from the 10.4 metre Looe based fishing vessel 'Valerie May' when the engine room began to take in water at a rate of knots leaving the two crewmen fearing for their safety.

Coastguard scrambled a rescue helicopter from the Royal Naval base at Culdrose and requested the launch of the RNLI all weather lifeboat from Fowey.

Both rescue units arrived on scene within 30 minutes at which point the crew on 'Valerie May' had managed to stem the flow of water into the engine room.

A crewmember from the lifeboat boarded the fishing vessel with pumping equipment, the all weather lifeboat then attached a tow, and both vessels are made their way to Fowey Harbour.

Brixham Coastguard Watch Manger, Kevin Hird commented, "The crew of the stricken vessel did the right thing in calling mayday, even though they were later able to stem the flow, and the situation could have deteriorated before the rescue units arrived."

Weather: South easterly force 4 with visibility at 4 miles.