PEEL, Isle of Man, Saturday February 1, 1986: the station's Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat out on service in a moderate northerly breeze.

The fishing vessel Ranger had suffered gear-box failure just 100 yards off Peel breakwater. She had put her anchor down and a sister vessel Orlik was trying to help her when the lifeboat arrived. Under the helmsmanship of Edward Allen the lifeboat was able to pass a towline between the two vessels. Ranger was towed a little way clear but then the line parted and the lifeboat had to pass a second tow. Again the tow parted but on the third attempt the two fishing vessels succeeded in getting clear of the end of breakwater and tide and wind began to carry them into more sheltered water. By now another fishing vessel had arrived on scene and she and Orlik were able to nose Ranger safely alongside the breakwater inside Peel harbour.

photograph by eourtesy of R. E. Kneen.