RNLI Clacton called to aid vessel in distress

The lifeboat launched a short while later into a fresh Force 6 south westerly breeze and began making the journey toward the casualty. Once underway it was confirmed by the coastguard that the DSC alert was from a 38ft yacht with total electrical failure, crew fatigue and suffering from poor weather conditions.

The electrical issues meant the coastguard had no communication with the casualty vessel and were unable to confirm if the occupants on board were fit and well.

The Coastguard helicopter arrived on scene whilst we were on route and could see three people in the cockpit but again due to communication issues could not see if everyone was ok.

As our volunteer crew approached the scene the helicopter illuminated the yacht with their search light for us to get a better visual location, and soon after departed the scene.

Using a loud hailer we made contact with the yacht and found the three people on board were ok, but needed assistance in getting to shore. The sea conditions were not appropriate to transfer the crew to the lifeboat, therefore towing was considered the best and safest approach to assist the people on board and to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven of Harwich Harbour.

With this in mind a crew member boarded the casualty vessel in a breaking and confused sea state. The crew member checked on the occupants, assisted in stowing sails and then attached a tow line in demanding conditions as well as providing a communication link to the lifeboat with a handheld VHF.

The lifeboat then began the four hour tow into Harwich harbour checking on the yacht frequently to ensure a safe passage. Once in Harwich harbour the tow was shortened and brought alongside before placing the casualty vessel in a berth at Ha Penny Pier, where Walton coastguard rescue team assisted with the berthing of the vessel.

The crew was then stood down and returned to the station, where the lifeboat was recovered, cleaned, refuelled and placed back onto service.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Mark Walsham, 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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