Fishing Boat Rescued 7 Miles Off Bermuda

A fishing boat was rescued this morning [Sept 29] after the vessel was rendered disabled with two persons on-board, some seven and a half miles off Bermuda’s east end. The rescue occurred after a distress flare was sighted off Northeast Breaker Beacon.

A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “On Saturday 29th September, 8:24am, Bermuda Radio received a call from a local fisherman reporting a Red Distress Flare sighted off Northeast Breaker Beacon.

“F/V Shake Down was requested to proceed to the Distress position while pilot boat St. David [Returning from pilot disembarkation at the Sea Buoy], was also tasked to assist.

“Bermuda Radio issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast [PANPAN] with another vessel ‘Bottom Time’, also responding to calls for assistance. F/V Shake Down was first on scene, reporting that F/V Solace was disabled with two persons on-board, while quickly establishing a tow.

“St. David arrived on scene a few minutes later, taking the casualty under tow to St. George’s Harbour, as Shake Down and Bottom Time were thanked for their vigilance and assistance. At 10:12am. F/V Solace was reported safely alongside Market Wharf, St. George’s Harbour.

“This case re-emphasises the reasoning behind mandatory safety equipment carriage requirements and potential need for boaters to access SOLAS [Safety of Life at Sea] equipment in a hurry.”