A Dutch family called for help after their yacht’s rudder failed.

The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI all weather lifeboat launched at 2.33pm on Monday 28 August after being called by the UK Coastguard to assist the Dutch registered charter yacht ‘Plevier’ that was in trouble after losing steerage due to a broken rudder.

The ALB located the craft at anchor just west of the Mid Swatch buoy at 2.51pm, a crew member from the lifeboat was put on board and a tow line was established.

Once under tow it was only possible to make very slow progress due to the yacht veering erratically even with a casualty drogue deployed (the drogue is used to steady a craft with steerage problems).

The yacht with its family of dad, mum and 15yr old son from Holland on board were safely returned to a mooring in Queenborough Harbour from where they had earlier left on route for London at 4.15pm

The ALB returned to station at 4.33pm

Ends

Media contacts:

Vic Booth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (Sheerness) 07926904453 / 01795 880544 [email protected]

Paul Dunt RNLI Press Officer S.E. [email protected] 07786668825

• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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