Boat fire prompts DSC radio advice from MCA

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is urging all sailors to have a DSC radio on board following a fire on a fishing vessel off the Isle of Man.

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Skippers are being encouraged to have a DSC radio on board to ensure rescue resources can be deployed as quickly as possible.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued the advice following a fire on board a fishing vessel off the Isle of Man.

None of the seven crew on the 21-metre vessel were injured in the incident, which happened around 13 miles south of Douglas.

The boat’s skipper broadcast a DSC distress alert, which allowed the UK Coastguard to locate the vessel.

It deployed the Douglas RNLI lifeboat.

The Steam Packet’s fast craft, Manannan, which was en-route to Douglas from Liverpool, was put on standby to assist, as was the Rescue 196 helicopter.

A mayday message was also broadcast following the DSC distress alert.

In the event, the crew of the fishing boat managed to bring the fire under control, before heading back to King Edward Pier in Douglas.

Both Manannan and Rescue 196 were stood down.

The Douglas all weather lifeboat, Sir William Hillary, under the command of coxswain Graeme Cushnie, escorted the fishing vessel back to port.

The incident happened on the evening of 22 October, 2016.

Commenting on the incident, Dawn Petrie, for the UK Coastguard said: “Thanks to the swift and correct use of the DSC radio on board the vessel we were able to get rescue resources to the crew very quickly whilst they worked to tackle the fire.”

“All seven crew are safe and well. This is the second incident this week where correct use of the DSC radio has helped us to locate and send resources to people in distress,” she continued.

“Last Saturday a single-handed sailor broadcast a DSC distress alert as he had become exhausted and needed assistance whilst sailing off the west coast of Scotland,” explained Petrie.

“This time we requested the Campbeltown RNLI Lifeboat to assist along with the Campbeltown and Southend Coastguard Rescue Teams. The sailor was located very quickly and brought back to Campbeltown by lifeboat,” she said.

“Having a DSC radio on board and knowing how to use it could save your life. If you use it correctly we will be able to locate you within moments and get the right rescue resources on their way within minutes,” advised Petrie.