Lifeboat recovers dangerous drifting vessel

Chris Hill Wells lifeboat crews were called into action to tow ashore a drifting boat which had become a hazard to shipping.The town's inshore and all-weather lifeboats were both used during the recovery effort, which began when the alarm was raised by fishermen returning to Wells harbour at about 5pm on Tuesday.

Chris Hill

Wells lifeboat crews were called into action to tow ashore a drifting boat which had become a hazard to shipping.

The town's inshore and all-weather lifeboats were both used during the recovery effort, which began when the alarm was raised by fishermen returning to Wells harbour at about 5pm on Tuesday.

Fifteen minutes later, the inshore lifeboat found the swamped vessel about three miles north-west of the boathouse.

After ensuring no-one was on board, the crew decided the 20ft vessel, which was badly damaged with waves washing over the deck, should be towed ashore as she was a danger to shipping. Fishing vessel Comrade, skippered by the lifeboat's deputy second coxswain Mark Frary, was close by and attempted to help tow the vessel.

But it was found to be too large, so the larger all-weather lifeboat was launched and the stricken craft was eventually brought safely ashore at 7.45pm.

An RNLI spokesman said that there were no identifying marks of ownership on the boat, which was broken up. for transport as it was too badly damaged to be moved safely.

No-one was hurt in the incident.