mayday call

[Shanew]

today i had a engine fire on board sailing in the crouch, had to make a call for the first time, was scary moment but got it out, at the time with two 25ltrs fuel cans on board in close proximity and whilst my mate was tackling fire with extinguisher we were concerned enough to make call.

was this the right thing to do or did we panic ? In hindsight we could have pan pan for assistance.

after getting fire under control ,and shutting everything down, dropping anchor ect, we advised coastguard we were out off danger. fambridge haven responded and came out to tow us back in.

they were fantastic i have to say.

after assessing damage its not to bad but cant now make open.

just glad we ok.

just goes to show something can happen at any time anywhere.

.

regards

Shane

 

[wotu2uk]

imo, fire aboard is worth the mayday, can get hold too fast, so get call out early.

 

john

[Graham Nash]

I'm with John on this one. Fire is not something that abides by rules and can get out of hand very quickly.

 

Better to be safe than sorry and I am sure the coastguard and RNLI would rather tow a slightly red faced boater in than a charred coffin.

[Coddy]

Agree with previous comments

 

Whilst you have the ability to communicate do so at the earliest time.

 

You can always cancel Mayday/Pan Pan when things are under control.

 

Well done in not panicking "Mr Mannering"

 

Dave

[great white]

I agree with Graham and John.

 

The biggest fear on any sea going vessel is fire, as it takes hold quick and you can be a long way from help.

 

best to make the call early and cancel it quick if all comes under control.

If you wait to make the call you may lose the chance if the fire spreads to your electric circuit.

 

Charlie

[dicky]

deffo made the right call.

did my vhf certificate on saturday and the instructor was rnli.

he said if unsure make the mayday call as it can be down graded by them later if you get everything under control.

those early minutes when you make the call can be vital especially with fire in a small boat. delay and by the time the lifeboat gets to you could be to late.

[codpiece]

Sooner launch lifeboat and not be needed than not be called or called two late to possibly avert a tragedy. NEVER BE SHY, Derek,V.

Edited August 15, 2011 by codpiece

[codpiece]

Charlie makes a good point on loss of electric power, that is why many of us carry hand held VHF for backup, Even a watertight one not that expensive!! Derek, V.