local news cornwall

[cliffdale]

Ive just heard on the local news that the Lizard lifeboat was called out on a May Day early this morning to rescue a yacht. There were 2 people on board and the passage was from the channel Islands to Scilly Isles.

Not knowing the circumstances why this yacht put to sea yesterday, I can not comment on the rational behind the decision to put lives in danger. However, I think the lifeboat service should justifiably claim salvage to aid lifeboat service funds.

CD


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[longjohnsilver]

As you say you don't know what the circumstances were, so calling for them to claim salvage is savage, praps.

I think the RNLI are against this concept, but thoroughly agree that peeps should be responsible, but until we know the full story who are we to judge.

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

You cannot start putting conditions on rescue. If you start doing this people will only call when conditions have deteriorated past a small engine problem to we are losing the boat.

Yes it could be said the skipper of the yacht made a bad call considering the forcasted weather, but I don't think the RNLI should start charging for mistakes, otherwise it might become a business.

A charity cannot charge for providing the service people donate for.

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk>

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[powerskipper]

lack of knowledge is the normally answer, How much the weather and sea conditions can affect a boat is something all who take to the sea should know, but many don't. Glad there OK and hope the RNLI educated them a little.
I cancelled 2 jobs this week due to the weather and am not sorry I did. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://powerskipper.mysite.freeserve.com/>http://powerskipper.mysite.freeserve.com/</A>
Julie

 

[cliffdale]

Yes, I agree its difficult to criticise the skipper as I do not know the reasons for the passage. Im not sure of the size of yacht but to make a passage with 2 persons on board and a well documented weather front moving across the UK, I think its more than a bad call.

If the yacht was rescued in French waters, would they be charged?

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

From my post to Dave earlier in the week about salvage

rule 2 defining applicability

the salvor's act must be voluntary (no legal or official duty to render assistance)

This would put the RNLI into a very grey area as to their purpose and status with regards to charity rescue of life on the high seas.

The moment the RNLI makes a salvage claim is the moment I will NEVER donate another penny to them and I don't think I would be alone.

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk>

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[cliffdale]

I think your right about lack of knowledge. It makes me wonder where they would have gone if they made it to Scillies. There would be nowhere to shelter, the wind was forecast to veer 108 degrees.

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[cliffdale]

Im glad someone is happy to donate freely. I have to account for every peny I spend. When it comes down to things like the nutter who was rescued 17 times for putting to sea in a bath tub, I dont think you and I should have to put up with this.

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[gjgm]

you dont have to put up with this. The RNLI do. If you dont like what your chosen charity does with your donation, i guess you have the option of withdrawing your support.
Surely we can have nothing but admiration for those who put their lives at risk to rescue both the unfortuante and the foolhardy? If anything, I have even greater admiration for them for being so willing to rescue the latter. That seems an even greater heroism and sense of duty.
So, while you have the option of withdrawing your support, the RNLI decide a higher good, and do not feel able to do so. Id suggest they need your support all the more, and no doubt, you recognise this and continue to support them.
But hopefully, they let the damn fool almost drown first !!

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[halcyon]

Last report there still fighting in, though i'm not sure if they are been push south now, or the yacht was before they took in tow, caught tale end of a report. They have had in in tow most of the night just making way in a force 10, wonder what state the lifeboat crew will be in when they get in?.

Brian

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[theguvnor]

I`d love to hear what the RNLI skipper said to the rescued skipper, if indeed all weather warnings had been ignored

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[longjohnsilver]

Yes.

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[Nick_Pam]

Several charter boats from my marina went out into the teeth of an F7 on Saturday evening, presumably because it was their first day and they had paid!!!
A couple came back in a few hours later, looking older, wetter and wiser!!!
Hopefully this wasn't one of the ones who didn't return.
I'm amazed that the charter company let them go - if it had been my boat on charter and they had released it I would have had somerthing to say!!!
Nick

<hr width=100% size=1>Byeee...Gone Sailing!!!!

 

[tome]

Some would say they don't consider a near gale F7 to be too much provided the boat and crew are well found, and they know what to expect. I've had some of my most exciting sails in these conditions, although granted testing also. As I've grown older I've become more cautious/lazy and these days I probably wouldn't bother above forecast F6 outside sheltered waters, especially on spring tides. Each to his own.

The sheltered Solent in a good F7/8 is great fun provided you play the tides. Very little fetch, so big winds and small seas - ideal for experimenting with heavy weather techniques.

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[halcyon]

But when the lifeboat had them in tow it into a F10, and from reports were only just able to make any headway.

Brian

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[longjohnsilver]

Saw them interviewed on SW telly, the skipper said he knew a F6 NE was forecast and thort that would make an excellent sail from CI to Scilly. Surely he must have seen/heard that gale force winds were forecast, everyone else knew well in advance. He actually seemed quite smug.

The lifeboat coxsn said that when they were only making 3 kts with 50 miles to go that they were in for a long night! When asked whether he thort they should have been out there he laughed and said that it might have been wiser to seek shelter a little earlier.

The CG representative was little more direct but did add he hadn't spoken to the couple. I bet that was an interesting conversation!

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[extravert]

MCA press release

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-dops_pr_newsroom-press-releases-release.htm?mcga_news_id=2590&month=7&year=2004>Here</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep tri-ing.

 

[ribrunt]

The "salvors" act was, indeed voluntary - the Coastguard can only request, and not direct, the lifeboat to launch. Under Irish marine legislation, the RNLI and the Naval Service are the only exemptions from the mandatory assistance of persons in distress. NS in case it is defending our shores (ROTFLOL) and the RNLI for operational reasons: e.g. wx too bad for ILB.

The RNLI does not claim salvage or charge - as to do so may delay people requesting assistance early and further endangering crew lives. RNLI crews can, if desired, claim salvage. However they will be charged for the use of the lifeboat & facilities and any damage done!! Naturally, for other reasons, it doesn't happen too often anyway - never heard of an occasion myself....

Cheers

Ribrunt
(My posts are entirely personal and represent the opinon of nobody but meself!)
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[Lozzer]

I think that they should string the skipper up for putting lives at risk... He wont do it again then.

I wonder if he had an ICC....... Perhaps the UK should now insist on people using craft having such licences.

Probably doesnt know what one is....

As for the lifeboatmen it will be another story for them to tell when they are painting and decorating or in the pub... God bless them all.

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[rich]

The local forecaster's have Admitted,They said,,,,,,6 to 7 No mention of anything worse to come.... Many vessels departed there morrings in Jersey. THey lifted a 42ft trader there was no hull left under the water line. WHERE does the BLAME lie???? ps sorry about the spelin.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.jersey-harbours.com<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by rich on 10/07/2004 00:04 (server time).</FONT></P>