Dungeness RNLI rescue yacht with loss of steering
At 8.12pm on 1 August 2019, Dungeness RNLI were tasked by the UK Coastguard to assist two people on board an 11m yacht with steering failure 12 miles east of Dungeness.
Coxswain, Stuart Adams, and her volunteer crew launched the Shannon-class lifeboat
The Morrell and once on scene, it was clear that the casualty’s rudder had come away from the vessel resulting in complete loss of steering.
Two crew members transferred to the yacht to assist in establishing a tow line and then the casualty was towed to Dover. The lifeboat then returned to station and was back ready for service at 4.30am.
Stuart Adams, RNLI Coxswain for Dungeness says: ‘The crew of the yacht were very unfortunate to have experienced a complete loss of rudder in the middle of the shipping lanes in the English Channel. Fortunately, they were well prepared with correct safety equipment on board and they made the correct decision to contact the UK Coastguard for assistance. It was a difficult tow into Dover and the volunteer crew worked tirelessly and admirably to bring the yacht to safety. We wish the casualty the best in the repairs of their vessel.’
Notes to editors
· Dungeness lifeboat station has been operating since 1826. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.dungenesslifeboat.org.uk
· Dungeness’ Shannon-class lifeboat was the first Shannon lifeboat in the fleet and came to station in 2014.
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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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