Fishermen rescued by New Brighton RNLI

Dec 18 2012 By Lorna Hughes

THREE fishermen were rescued off the coast of New Brighton after the engine of their boat failed.  

RNLI volunteers from New Brighton lifeboat station were called out just after 10.34am on Saturday.   

The small fishing vessel was just off the rocks on the promenade sea wall near the Floral Pavilion Theatre.  

The crew of New Brighton’s Charles Dibdin lifeboat towed the vessel and secured it to a mooring.  

The men were unhurt but one had spent some time in the water trying to start the engine and was wet and cold.  

One of the fishermen decided to remain on board and the boat was later recovered at Egremont Ferry slipway, where conditions were calmer.  

Senior helmsman Dave Lowe, who was in charge of the lifeboat, said: “Anyone going on the water should be aware of the tides and local conditions. It is essential that full safety gear including lifejackets should be worn at all times as survival time in the water especially this time of year is very short.”  

New Brighton Lifeboat Operations Manager Graham Sale said: “This one could easily have turned out very differently but fortunately we were able to get everyone and the vessel safely back to land.  

“It is a testament to the dedication and selflessness of our volunteers who turn out in all weathers, day or night all year round.”