Lives of six crew saved from sinking fishing vessel in major rescue off Cornwall
An RNLI lifeboat and Coastguard rescue helicopter rushed to the scene, south of Porthcurno, on Friday afternoon
The lives of six crew have been saved from a sinking fishing vessel off the Cornish coast, in a major rescue operation.
Ocean Pride FH24 issued a pan-pan emergency call to say they were taking on water south of Porthcurno on Friday afternoon.
Penlee Lifeboat says its reserve vessel, 'Volunteer Spirit', made it to the scene in around 25 minutes.
The Ocean Pride was taking on water through her stern tube at such a rate, that the onboard pumps could not keep up with the flow and the situation was critical.
The lifeboat pulled up alongside and attached a tow rope, before crew member James Roberts managed to scramble on board - despite the Ocean Pride's high sides.
Another salvage pump was set up, allowing the engines to be cut and slowing the speed at which she was taking on water just enough to keep her afloat.
The RNLI were joined by the crew of Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924, who managed to winch down more salvage pumps to stem the flow of water.
The Ocean Pride was towed slowly back to Newlyn and, on arrival, the reserve Inshore lifeboat ‘Tabby Cat’ was waiting to act as a brake to bring the vessel safely into harbour.
The lifeboat crew then had to wait for high tide in order to put the Ocean Pride on the hard to assess damage and effect repairs.
They have since received this heartfelt thank-you message from Tamara Laity, the family of one of the crew of the Ocean Pride.
"A huge Thank You. I can't and won't ever be able to thank you guys enough for bringing our boys safely home. Not only that but staying with them and helping them to make safe and secure our Ocean Pride FH24. Thank You so much".
The rescue operation was the first shout for Emergency Coxswain Neville Pittman, who said the crew of the lifeboat did a very professional job.
"It was a critical first shout for me to cut my teeth on! Salvage pumps, helicopters, towing, the lot. My comprehensive RNLI training certainly kicked in!
"The lifeboat crew did a very professional job - this was definitely a vessel and 6 lives saved’.
Emergency Coxswain, Neville Pittman