Aldeburgh RNLI lifeboat launched to a yacht In difficulties
Aldeburgh's all-weather lifeboat (ALB), ‘Freddie Cooper’, was launched on Sunday afternoon to a 32-foot yacht, with one person onboard. They had called for assistance, as they were reported to be struggling to make headway, as they were going against the tides and winds South of Aldeburgh.
At 2.31pm there was a UK Coastguard request to launch the ALB to assist the casualty. On arrival at scene, off Orford Ness, at 3.12pm, it was found that the casualty had the sail wrapped around the mast and only enough fuel to get to safe haven.
A heaving line was sent across and the casualty was taken under tow and headed towards the River Ore. On arrival at the river’s mouth, the state of the tides meant there was not enough depth of water for the casualty to be taken into the river, so was unsafe. At 5.30pm it was decided to continue towing the casualty to Harwich.
On arrival at the entrance of Harwich harbour, the yacht was released and was able to use it’s engine to head for safe haven. The ALB then departed Harwich to return to Aldeburgh. Just before returning, Harwich inshore lifeboat (ILB) had been tasked to search and rescue a drifting yacht nearby, so while enroute back to Aldeburgh, the ALB stopped to see if they needed assistance. Harwich ILB had successfully located the casualty and had them under tow, so the ALB continued their journey back to station.
The ALB was back on station at 9pm.
RNLI media contacts
Caron Hill, Aldeburgh RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07837 263210 email [email protected]
Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer (North and East) 01642 790636 / 07824518641/ [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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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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