Excerpt from the Plymouth Herald
Rescue boat has to be... rescuedA FIRE and rescue boat had to be rescued itself - just hours after being officially re-launched.
Earlier yesterday dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Ken Foster, gathered to toast the Vigiles' first major refit.
But by 12.30pm the Plymouth Lifeboat was tasked to aid its crew after it suffered engine problems.
The Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service vessel broke down near Jennycliffe Bay and had to be towed into the Cattewater.
A spokesman from Brixham Coastguard said: "We got the call at about 12.30pm to say Vigiles had broken down with propulsion problems. She was unable to manoeuvre.
"The Plymouth Lifeboat assisted and towed her to the Cattewater."
The refit, undertaken at Plymouth Yacht Haven, has seen Vigiles fitted with new engines and overhauled jet drives. She has also had a new paint job.
A more powerful searchlight has also been fitted to increase her search and rescue performance.
The boat is located in Plymouth and is used to protect Devonport Naval Base, the oil storage facilities and the commercial shipping which use the port.
Its high-speed and superior performance also enables it to carry out a rescue role.
It recently completed her sea trials. The vessel has been in operation since 1999.
Of all the things you can mess up...