On March 12, during night hours the HM Coastguard rescued six crewmembers from a disabled fishing vessel off Lands End in challenging weather conditions. All six members were airlifted, whereas the Coastguard continues monitoring the drifting vessel.
Generally, UK forecasters warned of possible travel disruption and power cuts as they issued a yellow weather warning for ‘Storm Gareth’.
HM Coastguard was alerted at around 2200, when a French fishing vessel ‘La Fanette’ had suffered an engine failure in heavy weather.
In light of the incident, a fishing vessel went to assist at 2350 hours, whereas the coast guard requested the launch of the Sennen Cove RNLI volunteer lifeboat.
Despite the rough weather conditions, Sennen Cove Lifeboat made its way to the scene and arrived at 0040 hours.
However, due to 20-foot waves and storm force winds, it was impossible for either the fishing vessel or the lifeboat to establish a tow with La Fanette.
As a result, the Newquay Coastguard Rescue Helicopter flew out to evacuate La Fanette’s crewmembers instead.
Capt. Sharky Finn of the Newquay helicopter station commented that was one of the most challenging jobs they’ve seen at Newquay.
Despite the difficult conditions, the helicopter crew brought all six fishermen aboard and returned to Newquay, where the Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team and the Newlyn Seaman’s Mission met them at the landing pad to care for the rescuees.
