Trawler Crew Rescued By Breeches Buoy When Ship Is Holed -- A member of the crew of the 'Venus' about to leave the vessel by breeches buoy. A breeches buoy was used in the rescue of the crew of the Belgian fishing trawler 'Venus' which ran aground off Ostend, Belgium, when she was trying to reach Ostend Harbour in Artic Weather. The vessel was holed and heavy seas threatened to pound her to pieces. The Captain decided to abandon ship, and a line was shot to members of the Belginan coastguard rescue service ashore. March 6, 1947.