Lifeboat launches to assist a dismasted yacht off Peveril Point

The lifeboat launched into thick fog and used both RADAR and VHF direction finding equipment to find the casualty yacht. It had been joined by another yacht that they were on passage with, the two boats now alongside and able to make very slow progress northwards.

Three crew were put on board the yacht with a plan to clear the mast, rigging, ropes and sails from the water. This task took some time, with the lifeboat keeping a RADAR lookout and contacting vessels at risk of collision as the visibility was often less than 150m and the casualty yachts had no means of manoeuvring quickly.

When the mast and debris were clear, the yacht's engine was started and checked. Steering and propulsion were not damaged, so the lifeboat plotted a course to Studland and led the boats around Old Harry to pick up a mooring in Studland Bay, where they planned to arrange for further assistance.

A short time later the casualty yacht was secured to an eco mooring and the lifeboat crew were recovered.

Visibility had improved, so better speed was made back to Swanage, where the lifeboat was recovered, washed down and re-fuelled.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Gavin Steeden, Steve Williams, Matthew Steeden, Phil Palmer, Andy Redout, Scott Turner
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Neil Collings, (Winch) Paul Meacham, Archie Burgess, Jeremy Stein, Jack Thompson

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

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

Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 488243, [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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