Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Workington RNLI all weather lifeboat and sent Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene. After a search in darkness for the casualty vessel which had no navigation lights, Liverpool Coastguard received a 999 call by mobile phone from one of the occupants of the boat. Workington lifeboat then located them further north of the initial sighting and towed the broken down vessel into Workington.
Members of the public were concerned for their safety because the men appeared to be drunk before departing the harbour. It was reported that the two men had boarded the boat in Harrington Harbour earlier in the evening and that the skipper had fallen overboard in the outer harbour and his friend had got into the water to help him back in before they set off towards Workington. The boat was seen broken down and drifting about a quarter of a mile offshore just before nightfall.
Liverpool Coastguard Graham Parr said,
"As the weather warms up more people want to get out and enjoy being on the water but please don't take unnecessary risks this summer; don't drink and drown. Not only does it impair judgement but alcohol will also affect your ability to deal with an emergency situation.
Always check your vessel is seaworthy before setting out and if you must travel in darkness, navigation lights are both vital and mandatory.
For guidance, see SOLAS V regulations for pleasure craft http://tinyurl.com/3nns78m
