french lifeboat news

[baggypipes]

just noticed that french lifeboat crews seek legal protection after 3 people have taken them to court following damage(? ) to their boat whilst being rescued.
don't know what you lot think, my opinion is, what is going on? hope this sort of practice doesnt spread over into the uk.

 

[ccscott49]

Dont French lifeboats charge you for rescuing you? If they do, then they are open to cases like this.
If they dont charge, then a bit naughty to sue, I would think.

 

[Roberto]

Life rescue is always free.

In other cases, it is up to the captain of the lifeboat to decide, there are no fixed rules but usually if one hase a serious mechanical accident yet not life threatening (as water coming in but with efficient pumps and no risk of sinking) they might give a tow for free; otoh when people call them after having run out of diesel/petrol they usually charge for the tow (fuel, +sometimes also lifeboat usage)

 

[Alfie168]

It already has hit the UK...What we all used to call the rescue boat at sailing clubs has been redefined a a voluntary assistance craft after some joker sued a sailing club for not being rescued by the boat known as the rescue boat.

When I was first told this when I visited my old club I was sure it was someone winding me up. Apparently not, but I wish it were.

Someone will put me right here as its many years since i manned a rescue..OOps I mean voluntary assistance boat.

Tim

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

[ QUOTE ]
Life rescue is always free.



[/ QUOTE ]

How well I remember the Captain of a Rumanian Freighter that had come to pick us up (March 1973) after we lost both rudders of the catamaran that we had recently sold to an American. This guy was reluctant to sign the salvage agreement without knowing how much it would cost. In a very thick accent, the Captain told him:

"I am obai-gid to save the peepil! I am not oblai-gid to save the boat. If you want, I cut the rope! KWASTEGA!!!!",

whereupon the mate (Kwastega ?) came into the cabin wielding a huge axe in his hand!

 

[nigelhudson]

The neighbouring boat to ours had to be towed into a French Channel port with a net round both props. The bill was c.£1000. If they are charging that much they should take care.