ABANDONED STRICKEN FISHING VESSEL CAUSES CONCERN

Humber Coastguard are this afternoon relieved to report that the crew of a stricken fishing vessel, seemingly washed up on the beach at Chapel St Leonards, are safe and well.

 Skegness and Chapel coastguards, Skegness RNLI inshore lifeboats and a rescue helicopter were all tasked to the 18ft cobble (fishing boat) reported to the Coastguard as washed up on the beach.
It later transpired the boat had capsized while being launched, throwing the two crew into the water. The crew were found further along the beach, wet and cold but otherwise unhurt.
Graham Dawson, Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard said,

“The crew of this boat were found in time to stand down the major rescue resources we had tasked. However, I would like to take this opportunity to request that boat owners remember to contact the Coastguard straightaway if this sort of event occurs, to avoid any rescue resources being unnecessarily dispatched.

I would also like to remind boat operators that during the launch can often be the most treacherous part of any voyage and to ensure lifejackets are worn at this time”.

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