Sea trials interrupted to rescue seriously ill fishermanThe RNL) knows how to get the maximum benefit from its contractors. DML Ltd, the Plymouth-based dockyard, are responsible for building and repairing some of the all-weather lifeboats. But in July several DML staff were involved in a dramatic rescue when they helped pick up three fishermen whose boat was drifting onto rocks in Plymouth Sound.

The St Peter Port lifeboat from Guernsey had just undergone engine repairs with DML and five members of staff were aboard on routine trials with the coxswain of the RNLI's Falmouth lifeboat, Alan Barnes, in charge. The trials had hardly started when the lifeboat was asked to respond to a Mayday call from a fishing boat which was out of control and heading for the Mewstone.

On reaching the boat, the Flying Fish, DML boathouse slinger Terry Furze was transferred aboard with a stretcher to help pick up one of the crew, who had suffered a suspected heart attack.

DML production manager Richard Brown, who was on board at the time, takes up the story. 'We were on the Millbay side of the river when we received the SOS from three men out on a fishing trip. Apparently, their boat had lost power and was drifting towards rocks at the Mewstone with one of the men on board seriously ill.

'We set off straight away across the Sound. A yacht had also answered their Mayday call and when we got there, she was keeping the boat off the rocks with a tow rope. It was quite rough and the sea was very choppy. Alan quickly took over and wentalongside. A first aider, Geoff Maughn from Finnings UK, was on board and was sent across to help the man who was ill. Terry then went across with a stretcher and Alan called for back-up from the Plymouth lifeboat and a helicopter.

The casualty was brought back to our lifeboat and by that time, the Plymouth lifeboat and a helicopter had arrived on the scene and the man was airlifted to Derriford Hospital.' Alan had high praise for his temporary crew, which included other personnel from Finnings and Marine Instruments. They were smashing', he said.

'I'd have them as my crew anytime. They all responded very quickly to my instructions and I was very impressed the way they handled themselves in an emergency.'.