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1 December 2000

MILFORD HAVEN COASTGUARD AID PASSENGER FERRY

Milford Haven Coastguard received a call at 7.15 a.m. on 1 December 2000, from the skipper onboard 'Isle of Innisfree', a 22363 gross ton, Dublin registered passenger ferry, which had lost all power 3 miles West of St Anne's Head in fairly poor conditions with southerly force 7 winds.

'Isle of Innisfree', put down anchor in an attempt to make repairs, but the strong winds and tide pushed the ferry northwards towards the Isle of Skokholm, off the west coast of Pembrooke.

Milford Haven Coastguard immediately requested the launch of the RNLI lifeboats from St Davids and Angle, arranged for the rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor to standby on ground at Withybush airfield in Haverfordwest and tasked three tugs, 'Dalegarth', 'Milgarth' and 'Anglegarth' from Milford Haven port.

After 2 unsuccessful attempts the tugs eventually managed to attach lines to the ferry. 'Isle of Innisfree' was then able to carry out the necessary repairs to her engine room.

Niger Porter, Watch Manager at Milford Haven Coastguard said, "The current situation is that the 'Isle of Innisfree' has resumed electrical power and is recovering her anchor, after which she will continue on her passage to Rosslare.

"The three tugs and the RNLI lifeboats from St Davids and Angle will stand by the ferry until she sets off, all of the 130 passengers and 83 crew onboard are known to be safe and well."