VERITY

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Verity in trouble off Hartland Pt.

The "Verity" got in trouble due to engine failure in the afternoon of Jan 29, enroute from Dublin with a cargo of 3000 tons scrap metal, and was drifting within two miles of the rocks at Hartland Point with nearly knots knots. The vessel had lost power in rough seas. Both RNLI Tamar class lifeboats from Padstow and Appledore were launched at around 8 a.m., following a request from the Falmouth Coastguard. Sea conditions included force eight gales and a four-metre swell. With support from the Appledore RNLI crew, Padstow lifeboat established a tow to the ship at 9 a.m., which later parted but the crew managed to re-join. The tow was maintained until 2 pm when Dutch Frigate HNLMS "De Ruyter" arrived on scene at the request of the Coastguard to manage the tow. The disabled cargo ship had requested the assistance of a tug, which would be coming from Holyhead but was not due to arrive until the early hours of Jan 30 morning. Due to the rough sea conditions, the Dutch Warship, escorted by Padstow lifeboat began the slow tow towards Lundy Island, a more sheltered location to await a tug. The Appledore lifeboat left to return to Clovelly for a full crew change, assisted by the Clovelly RNLI inshore lifeboat. Appledore then returned to the scene and continued to escort the convoy towards the sheltered waters on the east side of Lundy Island. Padstow crew were stood down and returned safely to the station at 9.30 p.m. The tug "Bremin Fighter" arrived on Jan 30 at approximately 4 a.m. and set off with the "Verity" on tow by 5 a..m. She was due to arrive in Swansea in the night for repairs. The Appledore RNLI lifeboat crew waited until first light before returning safely to their station. Report with photos and video: http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Dutch-warship-joins-Padstow-and-Appledore-RNLI-to-assist-stricken-cargo-vessel.aspx