Shannon tasked to yacht in difficulties

The yacht's engine had failed earlier in the day, the solo skipper had anchored the boat but was unable to recover it due to the brisk Northerly wind. The Coastguard were concerned about the skipper's welfare with the wind set to increase overnight and the temperature decrease considerably.

The lifeboat launched and was quickly alongside the yacht. Two crew members were put aboard to assess the situation and report back. After chatting to the skipper it became that he had suffered a medical episode the day before and was running low on food and medication. The yacht's anchor was cut away and the yacht taken in tow in to Poole. A couple of hours later the yacht was secured in Poole Quay boat haven and the Swanage crew were released to return to station.

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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