The Debbie V, a scalloper registered in Falmouth, Cornwall was stranded on Budleigh Salterton's pebble beach on Thursday 11th January 2024
Named Debbie V after the owner’s wife, the boat was designed by renowned Cornish naval architect Denis Swire from Porthleven, and has an overall length of 11.99m, a substantial beam of 5.9m, and a draught of 3.4m.
The scalloper, should be able to be refloated on the next hight tide and to make its way back to its home port of Newlyn, Cornwall.
No pollutants were released during the incident and seems to been the result of engine failure. recent high winds have caused the sea conditions to be rough at times but have now eased and shouldn't cause further risk to shipping in the area.
The scalloper performed well in sea trials off Falmouth, achieving a top speed of 10 knots at 1,800rpm from her 221kW main engine, with a cruising speed of eight knots at 1,450rpm. It was also noted during sea trials that Debbie V produced very little wake, which was attributed in the main to her full bulbous bow. The boat has been found to be very manoeuvrable, and turns virtually within her own length, helped by her large rudder. No bow thruster is fitted, nor is one required, according to her owner and skipper.