MARITIME AND
COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty 1) issued by The Government
News Network on 5 May 2008
Three people have
been dramatically rescued by a fisherman from their sinking
catamaran 12 miles out to sea off Plymouth.
Brixham Coastguard received a MAYDAY relay broadcast from a lone
fisherman witnessing the sudden sinking of a catamaran near the
Eddystone Lighthouse. He was able to recover the three occupants
of the 26 foot powered catamaran onto his fishing vessel, moments
before the catamaran sank. The rescued crew, who are uninjured
but shaken, have been brought back to Torpoint by the fishing
vessel, where they will be met by Tamar Coastguard Rescue team.
The three people on board the catamaran SAMPSON, had left from
Fowey for a day trip fishing near the Eddystone lighthouse and
were 12 miles offshore when the catamaran began sinking. It is
believed that a sea water inlet pipe to the engine came loose and
the engine and bilge spaces subsequently flooded.
The fishing vessel is from Torpoint.
Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager said,
"It is fortunate that another vessel was so close at hand,
and able to offer such competent assistance. Without which, this
incident may have had a very different conclusion."
Press releases and further information is available at http://www.mcga.gov.uk