A FAMILY were saved by Morecambe firefighters after their boat was cast adrift and heading for the rocks in Morecambe Bay this week.
The family of two adults two children, aged eight and twelve, were trying to berth their 18ft cabin cruiser at the jetty opposite Morecambe Town Hall when the engine cut out and they lost control. The waves tossed the boat near to a rock breaker when captain of the boat, John Holme, 35, leapt from the boat with a line to the jetty where he hoped to secure the vessel. But then the cruiser began to sink as the back became submerged in water. At that point Tracey Chorley, 32, jumped off the boat, scrambled to the shore, and ran to the nearby fire station. The firefighters rushed to the scene and anchored the boat to their engine before hauling it ashore with a line. Leading firefighter Geoff Mawtus was reported as saying: "They were absolutely terrified, especially the kids (Anne,12 and Vannessa, 8), and they were completely soaked through." The family are recovering from their injuries at their home in Stockport.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article