A CALL for assistance from a boat taking on water prompted a response from Barrow Lifeboat Station volunteers.

People on the boat, an 8m Catamaran ‘Night Cat’, made a distress call after water began to fill the vessel.

They gave the location as Bass Pool, just to the south of Piel Island.

Two people were on board the boat.

HM Coastguard, based in Holyhead, called the lifeboat volunteers to provide assistance at 5.05pm on Sunday.

The volunteers had launched the all-weather lifeboat ‘Grace Dixon’ by 5.12pm.

The lifeboat was commanded by Coxswain Shanuan Charnley and was assisted by six crew members.

The team arrived at the vessel in distress swiftly, and were able to board it.

The crew established that an engine leak was responsible for the vessel taking on water.

They were able to effect a repair, and after receiving reassurance, the two people on board decided to remain at anchor for the night before undertaking a planned passage to Fleetwood yesterday morning.

The lifeboat was able to make a return to the boathouse at 6.10pm, where it was then washed down ready for the next launch.

Chris Clouter, spokesperson for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, said: “We have seen an increase in call-outs in the last few weeks as the COVID-19 restrictions have eased.

“Call-outs are now more in line with what we would normally expect to see at this time of year.”

The launch of the lifeboat was the fifth call in the last five weeks.

With social distancing measures in place, people are taking to the coast to adhere to government guidelines whilst enjoying a day out, however, people should be prepared and follow safety precautions.

Visitors to the coast, on foot or by boat, are advised to take note of signage at any beaches they may visit, as well as checking tide times to avoid being cut off, and weather conditions.

If you believe that you are in danger around the coast, please call 999 and ask for the coastguard.