PRESS RELEASE Skegness RNLI lifeboats called twice to fishing vessel Russell Matthews, 13/11/09
Both Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboats at Skegness were called out yesterday (Thursday) evening when a fishing vessel ran aground on a sandbank east of Gibralter Point.
The all-weather lifeboat Lincolnshire Poacher and inshore lifeboat Tom Broom launched from Skegness beach at 5:25pm in strong winds and choppy sea conditions. Although the tide was falling, it was hoped there would still be enough water to be able to tow the fishing vessel, Sea Swallow, with three crew on board, to safety.
After several attempts to transfer a tow rope to the vessel, it was decided there wouldn't be enough water to tow her off, and it would be best to return when the tide was rising. Both lifeboats were stood down by Yarmouth Coastguard, and proceeded back to Skegness just before 7pm.
The Lincolnshire Poacher launched again at midnight to standby and assist the vessel while the tide was rising. A tow rope was attached and the lifeboat was able to guide her into deeper water and assess any potential damage to the vessel.
With the skipper happy that all was well with his vessel, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to Skegness at 0:55am (Friday). After washing down and refuelling the Lincolnshire Poacher was re-housed at 2:15am.
