The safety equipment carried on fishing vessel Islander proved its
worth this evening after it was used to alert rescue services after the
vessel capsized in rough weather.
At 4.40pm Belfast Coastguard were notified through MRCC Clyde that
Falmouth Coastguard had received an EPIRB from the fishing vessel
Islander that was believed to be fishing in their area. Just afterwards
Belfast Coastguard received reports of a flare and wreckage just of
Ardglass, Northern Ireland.
Fishing vessel Golden Shore went to investigate and found the
Islanders two crew in a life raft. They were wet, shocked but unharmed.
Ian Murdock Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager said:
Despite the dramatic and rapid loss of their vessel this crew were
prepared for this eventuality. They were able to raise the alarm quickly
and are tonight safe and well.
This swift resolution of what could have been a life ending incident
is the reason that we recommend that all vessels are fitted with an
EPIRB which can automatically send a distress alert and, give an
accurate position of your vessel to the Coastguard with through a
satellite based rescue system.
Cospas-Sarsat