Donate now

Lowestoft Lifeboat called to help a Dutch yacht suffering electrical problem

Lifeboats News Release

The crew of Dutch yacht on route for Lowestoft had to call for help when the vessel encountered electrical problem when nearing the port.

Lowestoft Lifeboat tows a Dutch yacht with electrical problems

RNLI/Philip Holdsworth

Lowestoft Lifeboat tows a Dutch yacht with electrical problems

With no navigation lights or VHF radio and with the yacht also struggling to make headway against the strong tide, the two people on board decided that they needed help to reach a safe haven.

Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat Coxswain John Fox said “Our volunteer crew were called at 7.47pm to give assistance to a yacht and located the 10 metre vessel about one kilometre off Corton Church. The yacht's crew were grateful to see us as they were only making slow progress and with daylight failing and with no lights they were worried for their safety.

We connected a towline and although the tide was on the ebb there was still a strong current as we began the slow journey back. Despite a strengthening southerly breeze blowing we brought the yacht safely into harbour arriving back at 9.30pm - where we were met by Coastguard Rescue Officers who assisted with mooring the yacht.”

Lowestoft Lifeboat tows a Dutch yacht with electrical problems

RNLI/Philip Holdsworth

Lowestoft Lifeboat tows a Dutch yacht with electrical problems
Lowestoft Lifeboat tows a Dutch yacht with electrical problems

RNLI/Philip Holdsworth

Lowestoft Lifeboat tows a Dutch yacht with electrical problems

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

Categories