Fishing boat sinks WEYMOUTH LIFEBOAT was asked to launch by Portland Coastguard at 0945 on Monday November 15. 1982, to go to the help of the fishing boat Amirante reported to be taking water four miles south of Portland Bill.

It was a fine morning with a fresh breeze, force 5, blowing from the north west and a moderate sea. It was three hours after high water.

Weymouth's 54ft Arun lifeboat Tony Vandervell slipped her moorings at 1003with Second Coxswain/Mechanic Derek Sargent in command. When she arrived on scene she found that another fishing vessel had taken Amirante in tow. Both vessels said that they were happy to continue the tow and that the lifeboat crew's offer of help in pumping out was not needed. A little while later, however, Amirante slipped the tow and the lifeboat was again offering help when the casualty suddenly began to founder.

Acting Coxswain Sargent moved in swiftly and picked up her crew safely.

The three men were landed at Weymouth and one of them was taken to hospital for examination. The lifeboat was back on her moorings and once again ready for service at 1140.

For this service a letter of appreciation signed by Rear Admiral W. J.Graham, director of the Institution, was sent to Second Coxswain/Mechanic Derek J. Sargent, acting coxswain..