The Dungeness lifeboat launched first at 0750hrs to the disabled Plymouth registered trawler which. After taking the vessel under tow they were making slow progress towards Dover. The decision was made to launch the larger Dover lifeboat to assist as the turning tide would be soon ebbing and working against the rescuers.
Conditions during the rescue were difficult with freezing temperatures and periods of poor visibility as heavy snow showers passed through the Channel. The gale force winds meant that sea conditions were rough with a 2-3m swell.
The Dover crew were paged at 0930hrs and the lifeboat headed out to rendezvous with the other vessels. Once on scene the tow was transferred to the larger Severn class lifeboat and all three vessels headed for Dover.
Arriving off Dover at 1345hrs, an extra line was attached from the stern of the trawler to the Dungeness lifeboat to ensure the trawler was firmly under control. The three vessels then entered Dover Harbour where the casualty vessel, with three people onboard, was moored safely in the Tug Haven.
Dover RNLI Coxswain Stuart Richardson said: “This was our first call out for almost four months but everything went smoothly and it was nice for me to be able to work with my friends and former crew mates on the Dungeness lifeboat.”
