RNLI West Kirby assist stranded yacht on rocks at Caldy Steps
RNLI West Kirby lifeboat's assistance was requested by HM Coastguard at 2:36pm on Monday 11 September. A yacht had broken free of its moorings and people were reported to be on board the stricken vessel.
RNLI West Kirby lifeboat's volunteer crew quickly launched and within 10 minutes had reached the 32' yacht that had by this time drifted onto the rocks at Caldy Steps.
RNLI West Kirby lifeboat attempted to move the stricken vessel clear of the rocks but were unable to do so due to the high winds.
A crew member, who had boarded the vessel to ascertain if there were any casualties on board, was then safely retrieved. This was following skilful boat handling on the part of the helm and crew in extremely testing conditions due to the waves rebounding off the rocks thus hampering the lifeboat's manoeuvrability.
As no casualties had been located on board, it was agreed that RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat should be stood down. The charity's crew returned to Sandy Lane slipway by West Kirby Sailing Club. RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat returned to the station for a wash-down to be ready for the next call of assistance.
Dave Henshaw, RNLI Launching Authority for West Kirby’s RNLI Lifeboat, says: 'It is very sad to see any vessel damaged but a relief that no one was hurt.'
Notes to editors
- West Kirby Sea lifeboat station has been operating since 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk.
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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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