THIS morning Humber Coastguard were called to an

incident developing aboard a 34 foot coble, the `Ashleigh Jane' at

Newbiggin and Wansbeck, close to Sandy Bay. The blue and white vessel

with three people on board had a fouled propeller and was in danger

of running aground on rocks and being swamped.

The crew requested immediate assistance via their mobile phone, and

the Newbiggin lifeboat was requested to launch, whilst the local

Coastguard Rescue Team attended at the shoreline.

In discussion with the Coastguard it became clear that the vessel had

neither lifejackets nor radio on board, and the crew were having

difficulty in keeping away from the rocks despite putting their

anchor out. A rescue helicopter was scrambled, and when the vessel's

crew were contacted to fire off a flare to alert the approaching

aircraft they responded by saying they also had no flares. A mayday

signal was broadcast into the area to alert other passing vessels who

may have been able to come to their assistance, however there was no

response.

The RNLI Blyth inshore lifeboat was also requested to launch, and the

`Ashleigh Jane's' crew was advised by the Coastguard to put on

coloured oilskins in order for the approaching rescue units to be

able to see them clearly.

By 9.10 this morning the Newbiggin lifeboat had managed to attach a

tow to the vessel after it had run onto the rocks, however in the

light of the lack of life saving equipment on board the vessel the

Coastguard requested the rescue helicopter to continue to monitor its

progress. The vessel was then towed homeward back towards the mouth

of the river.

Humber Coastguard Watch Officer, Mike Puplett said :

"This vessel had no marine band radio, no emergency flares or

lifejackets onboard, and only a mobile phone with a poor signal for

communications. Fortunately, the Coastguard were able to send rescue

resources to the scene very quickly, after its position had been

verified.

" The message here is 'be prepared' for the worst case scenario,

lifejackets, marine band radios and flares are potential lifesavers."

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish European Fish Trader, Fishing Monthly, Fish Farming Today, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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