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Yacht Towed To Safety By Yarmouth Lifeboat

Photo by Teresa Fox

Yarmouth’s all-weather lifeboat was tasked to launch by HM Coastguard this morning (Sunday) after a 42ft yacht lost its rudder, leaving it without steerage.

Yarmouth RNLI’s volunteer crew headed west out of Yarmouth harbour just before 8am against the incoming tide towards the Needles. 

The casualty vessel was located by the all weather lifeboat (ALB) at anchor south of the Needles, where they had sheltered from 18 – 25 knots of north easterly wind.

Having assessed the situation and established that everyone on board the yacht was safe and well, the Coxswain made the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the vessel.

Prior to entering Yarmouth harbour an alongside tow was established in order to safely manoeuvre the yacht into a berth, where she was met by the Needle’s Coastguard team.

Lifeboat Coxsewain, Howard Lester, said:

“The skipper of the yacht had taken the sensible decision to anchor safely until help arrived. The crew were suitably equipped with weatherproof clothing and life jackets.”

Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat refuelled and was ready for service at 10am.

The RNLI remains an independent charity that relies on voluntary contributions to fund its lifesaving work.

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