Torbay lifeboat's seven-hour operation to rescue stricken trawler

The Torbay lifeboat came to the rescue after a Brixham-based trawler was drifting dangerously in stormy seas off Berry Head.

The fishing vessel Our Amelie Dolcie, with three crew members on board, was unable to steer due to a stuck rudder as it drifted 19 miles south east Berry Head.

A second fishing vessel in the vicinity initially came to the trawler’s aid. But the poor weather conditions prevented it from establishing a tow a number of times.

Also taking into account the safety of any nearby vessels in the waters, HM Coastguard then tasked Torbay’s Severn class All-Weather Lifeboat to the scene at midday last Wednesday.

Trawler rescue - Torbay RNLI's crew make final checks before beginning the tow Pic Torbay RNLI

Encountering sea swells between two and three metres high, and steaming against a moderate south-easterly wind, the ALB reached the scene at 1:40pm. 

In challenging sea conditions, the lifeboat’s seven volunteer crew were able to establish a 200m tow to the Our Amelie Dolcie before beginning the return journey.

With an ebbing tide and continued choppy seas the lifeboat and her tow made slow progress, reaching top speeds of just four knots on a five-hour return journey, before arriving back at Brixham harbour shortly before 7pm. 

After safely mooring the trawler at Brixham’s Fish Quay, the ALB and her crew returned to the lifeboat station where the lifeboat was readied for further service by 7:30pm.

Trawler rescue - Torbay RNLI's crew on the deck of the ALB setting up the tow Pic RNLI Klaus Goddard

Coxswain Richard Fowler said: “This was a shout where our regular training really paid off. Our crew successfully established and maintained a tow in what were very challenging sea conditions. It’s only due to their skill and professionalism that we were able to bring the trawler and her three crew safely back to port."