Palos Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On August 31, 2023, the crew of the RNLI Barrow station responded promptly to an emergency call, launching their all-weather lifeboat, 'Grace Dixon,' at 7:40 PM. The lifeboat was dispatched to assist the 'Stemat Spirit,' a cable-laying vessel located in the Irish Sea, where two crew members required urgent medical attention. The Liverpool Coastguard had notified the lifeboat station at 7:30 PM after reports indicated that a Filipino crew member was suspected of having a stroke, while a second crew member from the UK was suffering from a severe abdominal issue. At the time of the incident, the 'Stemat Spirit' was positioned west of the Walney Windfarm, approximately seven miles off the mainland. With the tide flooding and a high water level of 7.2 meters anticipated by 9 PM, conditions were rough, compounded by northwest winds at Force 4 and an eight-foot swell. The 'Grace Dixon' reached the scene by 8:05 PM after navigating tricky waters. Despite the challenging maneuvering required to position the lifeboat alongside the larger vessel, the crew, led by Deputy 2nd Coxswain, made two attempts before successfully boarding the 'Stemat Spirit' via its pilot ladder. Assessments were made aboard, leading to the decision to transfer both casualties to the lifeboat for further care. Once safely transferred, oxygen was administered to one casualty while the other received entonox pain relief. The 'Grace Dixon' made its return journey to Barrow lifeboat station, arriving at 9:15 PM. An ambulance team, accompanied by a Filipino interpreter, was on standby to ensure both crew members received the necessary medical attention at Furness General Hospital. This operation highlights the critical role of the RNLI in maritime emergency response and their commitment to saving lives at sea.