Crew rescued from burning fishing vessel

London, 5 April/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty 2) issued by The Government News Network on 5 April 2008 At 1035 today Humber Coastguard received a report from the fishing

Humber Coastguard requested the launch of Rescue 128 Helicopter from RAF
Leconfield and Humber RNLI lifeboat. A mayday relay was broadcast and the
Pilot Vessel, Venus responded to the call.

All three crew were transferred from the fishing vessel to the Lifeboat and
then winched aboard the Rescue Helicopter and taken to Hull Royal Infirmary.
After initial assessment all casualties were taken to the Hypobaric Unit to
re-oxygenate their blood after smoke inhalation and Hull Coastguard Rescue
Team attended the site and assisted in the transfer of the casualties.

The fire onboard the vessel is extinguished and it is now under tow to
Grimsby Fish Docks where it will be met by the Humberside Fire Brigade and
Cleethorpes Coastguard Rescue team.

Weather on scene is force 7 winds gusting Gale Force 8, with moderate to rough
sea conditions and heavy swell making the transfer of the casualties difficult.

Alex Harrison of Humber Coastguard said,

"Fire onboard a vessel is a very serious incident, on this occasion the
quick action of the crew of the Matthew Harvey prevented the spread of the
fire which was kept under control till the Humber RNLI Lifeboat arrived at
the scene. It shows the importance of all crew members knowing how to raise
the alarm and what to do in the event of an emergency."

For further information please contact Duty Press Officer on 07917555634 or
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office on:
(023) 8032 9401
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the
Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

2008-04-05 10:09:13 0328726 PRNEWSWIRE