Engine failure in gale THE CREW OF Teesmouth lifeboat assembled at the boathouse on the afternoon of Saturday October 20, 1984, after a fishing vessel, Ronleo, had reported that she was in need of assistance, sixand a quarter miles east north east of Hartlepool Heugh. A further message from the fishing vessel revealed that she had now suffered total engine failure and the weather was worsening.

The relief 47ft Watson class lifeboat, Laura Moncur, on temporary duty at Teesmouth, launched at 1335 into a westerly gale force 8, gusting to force 9, and a rough sea with 15ft swell. Coxswain William Carter, at the helm, made full speed for the last known position of Ronleo, now about seven miles off Hartlepool.

At 1400 Tyne Tees Coastguard updated the position of the casualty and Coxswain Carter altered course accordingly to steer 081 degrees. A police launch, Northumbria, was also at sea and approaching Ronleo's position but she reported that the weather was so severe, with waves up to 30 feet, that she doubted a visual location would be possible. Radar performance aboard Teesmouth lifeboat was also poor because of the conditions. When Northumbria arrived at the fishing vessel's last known position she reported that Ronleo could not be seen.

The Coastguard asked the police launch to fire a red parachute flare which was spotted by the lifeboat crew about a mile to the north west of them.

Coxswain Carter decided to continue on the course he was steering and at 1445, Ronleo appeared dead ahead, rolling heavily and disappearing frequently in the spray. VHP communication was established on channel 16 and thefishing boat's skipper was advised, on receiving the tow rope, to make it fast before letting his anchor cable away.

The lifeboat circled the casualty twice and at the first attempt, the towing cable was passed and made fast. Because of the conditions, two heavy lines had been joined to give a long tow rope, and at the join a heavy rope fender was attached to prevent the line from snatching.

The homeward passage began at 1510. The lifeboat was punching into heavy weather and speed had to be restricted because of the large amounts of water going aboard the fishing boat.

For the first half hour an estimated speed of four knots was maintained but as the wind increased to severe gale force 9, gusting to force 10, progress slowed to about two knots.

Although extremely uncomfortable, the two men aboard Ronleo reported that they were well and the tow continued, straight into wind and weather, towards Hartlepool. At 1715 Ronleo radioed that her bilge pump had failed and her skipper was very concerned about the amount of water in the engine room. The tow was stopped to enable a man aboard Ronleo to go forward and assess the situation but he soon reported that the tow should continue at best possible speed for Hartlepool.

The harbour entrance was reached at 1800 and the fishing vessel was lashed alongside the lifeboat so that she could be berthed in the fish dock. Teesmouth lifeboat then returned to station and was rehoused, ready again for service at 1920 after nearly six hours at sea..