Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI assists yacht with engine failure

The yacht had lost engine propulsion and was unable to safely make its way into Berwick Harbour under its own power. One person on board was also suffering from mild seasickness.

With commercial shipping movements taking place in Berwick Port and conditions expected to become more challenging as the vessel approached the harbour bar, particularly with the outgoing tide and south-easterly wind, the decision was made for the RNLI lifeboat that the safest option was to take the yacht in tow and assist it safely into Berwick Dock.

The Atlantic 85 lifeboat crew, Helmsman Michael Percy, Navigator Christie Avril and crew Shona Richardson and Faye Bell, established a tow and safely escorted the yacht into the dock, where Berwick HM Coastguard assisted with securing the vessel to an available berth.

Conditions on scene a south easterly wind force 4, sea state a moderate chop with a flooding high tide.

Helmsman Michael Percy said: ‘The incident is a reminder of the importance of being prepared before heading to sea. As the saying goes, hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and always set sail with a plan for when things go wrong.

'On this occasion, the yacht's crew had limited options once their engine propulsion was lost. Making the correct decision to issue a Pan-Pan call and request assistance meant that the situation could be dealt with before conditions deteriorated further.

'The RNLI would always encourage anyone experiencing difficulties at sea to seek assistance early. A timely call for help can prevent a developing situation from becoming an emergency.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Hazel Bettison, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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