Anglers Endangered by High Seas

04 & 05/2016
​07/02/16 03:20 - 05:15
ALB & ILB

Both Anstruther's ALB and ILB were launched this morning at 3:20 am to a report that anglers Were in danger on the breakwater at St. Monans harbour. Anstruther ILB arrived on scene first and quickly located the casualties, on the end of St Monans breakwater.
ILB was manoeuvred alongside the breakwater after three attempts, due to the challenging weather conditions, to transfer a crew member onto the pier to assess casualties. The ILB then transferred two crew members from Anstruther ALB onto the breakwater, to assist in first aid and evacuation of casualties.

St Monan's Pier

After the crew transfer ALB moved into position to help illuminate the area. ILB was then able to transfer the first injured casualty to an ambulance crew waiting on the shore. A second ILB trip was required for the last two casualties and they were also safely handed over to the ambulance crew. A final trip was made to retrieve the three crew members, and equipment, from the breakwater. Due to the adverse weather conditions, the decision was made not to transfer the ALB crew members back to the ALB and instead take them to shore, where they returned to the station by road. ILB and ALB then returned to station.

Weather – Squalls
Visibility - Fair
Wind – Near gale 225
Sea state – Rough 4m swell