Mumbles lifeboat launches to ship taking on water

Ship in Swansea Docks Credit: RNLI/Andy Miles

The volunteer crew of the Mumbles lifeboat were called to the aid of a cargo ship which was taking on water last night. Just after 8.30 pm the lifeboat was launched.

The 86 m vessel started taking on water after entering the channel in the river Neath.

The captain engaged emergency procedures and managed to get all bilge pumps running to stem the ingress of water.

The sinking vessel required 9 pumps to keep her afloat

The Mumbles All Weather lifeboat stood by to provide safety cover while the ship was surveyed to determine the extent of the damage and what to do next. The ships cargo was thousands of tons of anthracite coal along with the 20 thousand litres of fuel oil. Following a thorough survey the vessel was escorted back to Swansea docks.

Mumbles lifeboat returned to station at 6am

Martin Double coxswain of the Mumbles Lifeboat said ‘ While the conditions were benign the forecast was for strong Westerly winds. The ship was listing and if there had been any sea swell it would have meant us taking the 7 crew to safety’.