Video Details

Harwich Lifeboat launched in Storm Force 9 Gales to Rescue yacht.

26/06/2012

At 1.10pm on Friday 8th June, the Harwich RNLI All Weather Lifeboat was launched to assist in the rescue of a Dutch yacht. Aldeburgh RNLI All Weather Lifeboat had launched during the morning to assist the yacht that had run aground on the Aldeburgh Ridge. After getting the yacht in tow, the yacht began taking water early in the tow towards Harwich Harbour. The Harwich RNLI All Weather Lifeboat made her way in the rough seas and gale force winds to provide assistance. The conditions on scene were extremely challenging for the volunteer crews of both Harwich and Aldeburgh Lifeboats. Crew members from Harwich and a salvage pump were transferred to the yacht to begin pumping out the water. Rescue Helicopter 125 from RAF Wattisham was also on scene to assist with the transfer if it became necessary. Aldeburgh Lifeboat continued to tow the yacht along the coast and round in to Harwich Harbour with the Harwich Lifeboat escorting and members of her crew still on the yacht pumping out sea water to save the vessel from sinking. The yacht was taken to Levington Marina where repairs and damage to her could be assessed. Harwich Lifeboat returned to station shortly after 7.00pm and was refuelled and made ready for service.