Just rescued a fisherman in La Coruna

[andytrombone]

Leaving the anchorage at 2145 I was on the helm. One mile from the marinas we saw a freighter run over a small fishing vessel 400 metres away, the boat sank leaving men in the water.
I called in the Mayday, we were the first boat on the scene and rescued a fisherman from the water, a pilot boat that was next to arrive picked up 2 others. Last we heard there was still one man missing.
Over the next 10 mins another 10 boats arrived and a helicopter, we transferred our man to the lifeboat and continued searching.

We returned to La Coruna and will no doubt have to give evidence to the Police.

The fishermen weren't wearing life vests, they probably interfere with their work but the guy we pulled out was really struggling to stay afloat with the salopettes he was wearing seeming to pull him down.

Take what lesson you will re life vests. My view that they should be worn especially at night has been massively reinforced bybthis experience.

Andy Gray.

 

[DevonPhotographer]

+1

Great to hear a fellow seaman helping others in distress

Kris

 

[Flapjack]

Lets hope there is good news for the missing one

 

[Reverend Ludd]

Hope number 4 makes it

 

[Wansworth]

Well done,very sad news.The government have beentrying to instill safety measures and stuff for years but old habits die hard.I hope you are not too delayed withe the inquirey

 

[RichardS]

Was the freighter aware of the accident in the dark and stop as well?

Richard

 

[andytrombone]

I have just given my statement to the Maritime Police.
It turns out that the fishing boat was overtaking the freighter and cut it way too close, the marks on the freighter are on the port bow. The turn was so sudden that the freighter didn´t have time to sound an alarm.
The 88m freighter did turn around and help the search. One man, 26 yrs old and the son of the man we pulled from the water is still missing. Apparently he was below when the collision happened. The thick fog (vis less than 10m last night) obviously hindered the search.
The authorities have located the fishing boat in 25m of water but the missing man wasn´t on board. They are still searching with helicopters and divers.

 

[RichardS]

It would be unimaginable for a parent to lose their son or daughter. I really do hope he is found alive.

Richard