One of our stations got a page one evening in response to a PanPan* call. A concerned citizen called for assistance after observing a sailing vessel aground on the outer breakwater near her home, and hearing the person on board calling for help.
In less than 20 minutes the on-call crew members had all arrived at the boathouse, donned their gear, and set off toward the coordinates given to us. We approached the area but still couldn’t see the vessel. We radioed the JRCC (Joint Rescue Coordination Centre), who reported that the vessel was now sailing northbound. We soon made visual contact with the vessel, now under sail and heading towards a nearby harbour, and proceeded in that direction.
As we approached to the vessel we were able to speak to the operator. Clearly stressed and struggling to maintain a safe and consistent course, the boat was veering towards shore so we advised him to head into the wind.
We asked the operator to secure the lines and sails before we came alongside. As soon as we did, we noticed the operator appeared calmer and was able to assist us in securing the boat and providing the necessary information.
Using a side tow, we guided the vessel into the harbour, docking it at a marina. The operator was very grateful and much calmer. He explained that he had tried to depart under sail as his motor was unserviceable. He had come up against the breakwater while leaving, but managed to push off and continue under sail.
The operator had very little sailing experience, having only recently bought the vessel. Thanks to our team’s guidance and support, he safely made it to shore and learned valuable lessons for future voyages.
*“PanPan” is an international radio distress signal used to declare a situation urgent but not immediately life-threatening, while “Mayday” is used in the most urgent life-threating situations. If you witness a marine emergency, contact the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre at 1-800-567-5111, or press *16 on your mobile.