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Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat called to help a Dutch yacht stranded in rough seas

Lifeboats News Release

The crew of two on a Dutch yacht called for help from the lifeboat service when the deteriorating weather conditions and an engine problem left them stranded off the Suffolk coast.

The 13-metre yacht was on passage from Ijmuiden in the Netherlands when the crew encountered intermittent engine problems and did not feel confident to use their sails in the adverse weather conditions.

Lowestoft Lifeboat Coxswain John Fox said: 'We were called just after 6.40pm and launched our relief lifeboat RNLB Cosandra to go to the aid of the yacht which was 18 miles east of Kessingland.

An offshore support vessel, the Olympic Artemis, was in the area and stood by the yacht until we arrived.

When we reached the yacht the conditions in the area were not good with lots of wind and a choppy sea. We were able to throw a line to the yacht’s skipper and he did a good job to crawl along the deck of the pitching vessel to attach it.

After a slow tow back to Lowestoft we safely moored the craft in the yacht basin just after 11pm.'

RNLI media contacts

  • Mick Howes, Lowestoft RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
    01502 562488 / 07814 468917
    email [email protected]
  • Clare Hopps RNLI Regional Media Officer (North East & East), Tel 07824 518641 [email protected]
  • Nicola Quinn, RNLI Regional Media Manager, Tel: 07810 658 072. [email protected]
  • For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789. For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
Lowestoft RNLI Relief Lifeboat brings the stranded Dutch yacht safely into port

RNLI/Michael Howes

Lowestoft RNLI Relief Lifeboat brings the stranded Dutch yacht safely into port
Lowestoft RNLI Relief Lifeboat brings the stranded Dutch yacht safely into port

RNLI/Michael Howes

Lowestoft RNLI Relief Lifeboat brings the stranded Dutch yacht safely into port

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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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