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Wells RNLI lifeboat crew rescue two men in difficulty in their dinghy

Lifeboats News Release

Two sailors were rescued by Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat, while the all-weather lifeboatboat stood off, after they got into difficulty rowing against a strong tide.

The incident happened at around 9:30pm on Sunday, 25 June, when the pair were unable to make their way back to land in Blakeney Harbour and called for assistance.

The launch request was received from the UK Coastguard. It’s understood that the two casualties had boarded their dinghy from their yacht and one man had fallen in the water but had managed to climb back into the dinghy.

They struggled to make way under oars against the wind and strong ebb tide but did manage to make fast to a buoy in Blakeney Pit near the yacht Juno.

The inshore lifeboat launched at 9:42pm and the decision was taken to also launch the all-weather lifeboat to provide safety cover for the inshore lifeboat, particularly for the return when it would be dark.

The casualties were recovered at 10:20pm and their boat was taken in tow to Blakeney Point where they were to stay overnight at the Old Boathouse.

The inshore lifeboat then rendezvoused with the all-weather lifeboat at the entrance to Blakeney Harbour and both returned to Wells Boathouse.

RNLI media contacts

  • Peter Rainsford,Tel: 01328 711463 Mob: 07789 967255, Email: [email protected]
  • John Mitchell, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07831 103166 [email protected]
  • Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office 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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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