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Yacht reported aground at Peveril Ledge

Lifeboats News Release

Both of Swanage's lifeboats launched after HM Coastguard received reports of a yacht hitting Peveril ledges at the south of Swanage Bay.

Both lifeboats leaving Swanage Lifeboat Station

RNLI/Nick Leach

Both lifeboats leaving Swanage Lifeboat Station
As the lifeboats launched the 28' yacht had drifted northwards and was clear of the ledges, but in an unknown state. The yacht's sails were not in a serviceable state and the engine was not running, so a lifeboat crew from the D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) was placed aboard to assist and assess the situation.

The 2 crew on board had been at sea for a considerable amount of time and were exhausted. They had also suffered several equipment failures, including their GPS, and were unsure of their position.

The crew were confident that, although they had come very close, they had not grounded on the ledges and there was no damage to the hull and, although low on fuel, the yacht's engine was in working order. It was decided that the best course was to secure the yacht to the lifeboat mooring so that the crew could get a meal and a good night's rest before planning their next moves.

With this plan in mind further crew were placed aboard and the yacht motored to the mooring. After being secured, the lifeboat was able to return to station having only covered a few hundred meters - in contrast to our previous incident.

RNLI Media Contacts

Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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