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Bembridge Lifeboat Assists French Fishing Trawler Reported To Be 'On Fire'

Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat has been assisting a French fishing trawler, which was reported to be on fire, south of the Isle of Wight.

Bembridge RNLI's All-Weather Lifeboat, RNLB Alfred Albert Williams launched overnight to assist the five man crew of a 19m trawler, 30 nautical miles south of St Catherine's Point.

The lifeboat was launched just after 11.30pm last night (Wednesday) at the request of the Coastguard to locate and assist the vessel - that had initiated a May Day call, as they were on fire.

Selsey RNLI and HM Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 175 were also tasked, along with a French Search and Rescue helicopter.

Both lifeboats arrived on scene around 12.45am. Although it was clear that the fire was out and the crew were safe, communications to the trawler were non-existent and as sea conditions were very difficult, in a Force 6 wind.

It was agreed that Selsey would return to base, leaving Bembridge RNLI to provide guard cover, while issuing regular safety messages until another French trawler could take the Grand Charles under tow.

The L'Alliance arrived at around 7.15am this rmoning, and once a tow had been established, Bembridge Lifeboat returned to station after a long and gruelling night.

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