On March 20, Lifeboat crews have been taking part in a major rescue operation after a large cargo ship suffered complete engine failure.
What happened?
The Lady Alida, an 80m coaster, suffered engine failure and rescue services were sent to assist the seven crew members who were onboard.
Penlee Lifeboat and Sennen RNLI were called 3 miles south of Gwennap Head, in the parish of St Levan.
Lifeboat comes to the rescue:
At 3.20am, at the request of HM Coastguard, Falmouth, the all-weather lifeboat Ivan Ellen was launched from Newlyn.
The lifeboat was alongside the Lady Alida just 25 minutes after launching and immediately attached a tow rope.
On arrival, RNLI crew saw that the vessel, which sails under the flag of the Netherlands, was laden with sand and bound for Waterford, Southern Ireland.
Towed to safety:
The vessel was towed south to safer waters at 1 knot and was then joined by the Sennen Lifeboat City of London III which also attached a tow rope.
RNLI spokesperson said the initial plan was to tow her to Mount’s Bay for safe anchorage but due to the strong SW wind Force 6 it was difficult for the lifeboat to turn the vessel.
HM Coastguards at Falmouth agreed that the Lady Alida could anchor in deeper waters south of Gwennap Head to await the assistance of a tug.
Statement released:
A Penlee lifeboat spokesperson said: “The tug is now on route from Falmouth with an ETA of 7 hours. Our lifeboat is on standby with a strong likelihood that she will relaunch when the tug arrives on the scene.”
They then added: “The ‘Ivan Ellen’ lifeboat has just relaunched from Newlyn and is making her way back to the ‘Lady Alida’ – the vessel is currently dragging her anchor and the lifeboat will stand-by with a tow rope until the tug arrives… It’s going to be a long service for the crew.”
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Source: Plymouth Herald
