The rescue of a fishing boat that was taking on water has reinforced the need for “constant monitoring” of the marine VHF channel 16 radio, according to Bermuda Maritime Operations.

The group will address the need for VHF radio checking, plus the benefits of its radio direction finding equipment, at the upcoming Water Safety Council Seminar. Officers at the East End station received a “very weak” distress call at about 2.40pm on Wednesday from the Peanuts II, which was taking on water.

The crew reported their position as two miles from the northeast breaker beacon, but radar and radio location equipment tracked it to five miles northeast of the sea buoy.

The fishing vessel Serioula came to assist while the pilot boat St David was dispatched. Both craft were escorted safely to St George’s Harbour.

The water safety talk will take place from 5pm to 7pm on October 5, at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.