Yacht aground in the entrance to Saltfleet Haven assisted by Mablethorpe RNLI

Humber coastguard paged for the immediate launch of both Mablethorpe lifeboats, D-class and Atlantic 85 along with Donna nook and Mablethorpe Coastguard, to reports of a sailor stuck on a sand bar in the mouth of Saltfleet Haven.

The Atlantic 85 helmed by Tom Freeman placed Helmsman Jack Mayfield on the sand bar to set up a tow, the tide was ebbing fast and soon the yacht was  just in inches of water.  The D-class lifeboat helmed by Karen Cartwright placed Senior helm Shaun Riggall and crewman Carl Holmes to assist with trying to get a tow on the vessel.

Unfortunately the boat was soon high and dry and after liaising with Donna nook Coastguard team, Humber Coastguard and the skipper of the boat, it was agreed to return an hour before high water on the next tide.

Humber Coastguard kept in regular contact with the skipper throughout the evening and early hours for safety reasons.

Mablethorpe lifeboats were paged at 1.30am to relaunch to try and refloat the yacht.

Shaun Riggall led some of the crew placed on the sand bar by the ILB to set up a tow and the Atlantic 85 was able to move the yacht at high water.  Shaun stayed on the yacht to help the skipper moor up with the awaiting Donna nook Coastguard.  The Yacht was moored up in the Haven at 4.50am.

Both Mablethorpe lifeboats returned safely to station.

Senior Helmsman Shaun Riggall, quoted this was a perfect example of multi agencies working together and goes to prove that the ongoing training crews undertake is imperative.

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