Fishing Vessel Rescued - 12/02/2010

Unbelievable incompetence led to an angling boat needing rescue after going aground on the Buxey Sand, in Essex.

The crew became disorientated in adverse weather conditions because they had no navigation equipment or charts and a non-functioning VHF radio set, and no flares. Thames coastguard received a 999 call reporting the incident and the Bradwell coastguard and Clacton RNLI inshore lifeboat were tasked to the 26ft angling boat ‘XLT’ that had run aground unsure of its position with two people on board. The craft had departed Maldon and was bound for Southend.

The Clacton lifeboat located the craft on the Buxey Sand and was able to tow it off as the tide rose. The tow was then passed to the Walton RNLI all-weather lifeboat, which towed the craft to Brightlingsea. Although the vessel was in a non-seaworthy condition, and despite safety advice given by both the lifeboat crew and the coastguard, the crew still intended to depart the next day to attempt the passage again.