A collision between two vessels 30 miles south of Start Point in Devon left two fishermen in the water, both of whom have now been recovered.
The collision, between a container ship – the Boxford – and a fishing vessel, the Admiral Blake, happened at 18.35. At 18.43, Brixham Coastguard received a mayday call that had been relayed by another fishing vessel (the Amber J) on behalf of the Admiral Blake, reporting that they had been involved in a collision and that they had a man overboard. One other crewman had also fallen overboard and although he had been recovered back on board he was cold and wet. There were two other people on board who were reported to be safe and well. They also stated that they were not in danger of sinking, however they were taking on water.
Brixham Coastguard launched a major search for the man overboard, sending the Coastguard Rescue helicopter from Portland to the scene, along with launching the Salcombe Lifeboat. Several other vessels in the area including the Amber J, the Geeske, the passenger vessel Oriana and the rescue boat from the Boxford also assisted in the search.
At 19.35, after an hour of being in the water, the rescue boat from the Boxford recovered the man overboard. The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter winched the casualty and took him on to the landing site in Exeter where he was transferred to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital suffering from severe hypothermia.
Meanwhile, Rescue 193 Helicopter from RNAS Culdrose was sent to the Admiral Blake to bring a salvage pump and assess the crewman who had initially fallen overboard. He was said to be fit and well and happy to remain on board. Despite suffering extensive damage, the crew had managed to relieve sufficient water from the vessel using the pump on board the lifeboat that they were able to be towed by Salcombe lifeboat to meet the Plymouth lifeboat, who will then pick up the tow and take them into Plymouth.
MCA Marine Surveyors have been informed of the incident, along with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
