A McMurdo FastFind PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) was involved in the swift rescue of four fishermen whose boat was gutted by fire. The Gismonde, based in Co. Waterford, Ireland, caught fire on the morning of Friday 24th August when fishing in the Irish Sea

According to a report in the Irish Times the crew, under skipper Seán Stafford, sent out an EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) distress signal. A tragedy was swiftly averted by the quick thinking of an official from the Irish Marine Institute, who happened to be on board the vessel at the time. He activated his McMurdo FastFind PLB, a personalised handheld version of the EPIRB, and its distress signal alerted search and rescue services.

The crew members managed to safely board a life-raft while the trawler became engulfed in flames. Shortly after, a nearby trawler, the Ocean Pearl came to their assistance.

All four men were winched to safety by the Waterford based Irish Marine Emergency Services helicopter and transferred to Waterford Regional Hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation and subsequently discharged.
It was fortunate that the Marine Institute Official was on board the vessel, carrying out fish stock management monitoring.

The effectiveness of the PLB distress signal was demonstrated by this narrow escape, which clearly highlights the benefits of all fishermen carrying either an EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacons) or a PLB as an insurance policy to help prevent potential tragedy.

The Milford Haven Marine Office and Irish Marine Emergency Services must be commended for their involvement in the rescue operation.