Clacton RNLI’s volunteers assist yacht aground

Just before 5pm on Wednesday April 17, Clacton RNLI’s Atlantic class inshore lifeboat David Porter MPS was launched with four crew members aboard at the request of UK Coastguard, to assist a yacht which had run aground two miles south of St Osyth Beach.

The yacht was quickly located and found to be hard aground with one person on board. A crew member was placed aboard the vessel to assist with stowing the sails, and prepare for towing.

Once the tide had risen sufficiently, the lifeboat towed the yacht to safe water, where the tow line was released allowing the yacht to proceed under its own power while being escorted by the lifeboat. On reaching the Colne Bar and all being well, the crew member returned to the lifeboat, the yacht proceeded to Brightlingsea Harbour while the volunteer crew of the David Porter MPS were stood down by UK Coastguard and returned to station.

Probationary Helmsman Brogan Bates took charge of the operation under the watchful eye of Helmsman JoffStrutt. Brogan had this to say; ‘I was nervous initially when I was told I was taking charge of the service as this was my first as helmsman, but Joff told me to just treat it as a training exercise. Those words and the hours of training, faith in my fellow crew members abilities, and the equipment we use settled those initial nerves.’

Brogan went on to say; ‘Faith in our equipment, especially the personal protective equipment we wear is very important in allowing us as volunteers to safelyhead to sea to help others. This is why campaigns such as the upcoming MayDay campaign is so important to fund our kit, which cost £1800 per crew member.’ Further details on arranging MayDay events can be found at rnli.org.uk

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Richard Wigley volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07903424698 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or [email protected] or 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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.