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Walton and Frinton RNLI assist disabled yacht

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew of Walton and Frinton all-weather lifeboat were paged shortly after 9.30pm on Friday 2 August to assist a yacht two miles SE of their station.

RNLI/Simon Berry

Yacht being towed into Walton Backwaters by Walton and Frinton RNLI

Dover Coastguard tasked the lifeboat to assist a 33ft yacht with two people on board which was on passage from the River Medway in Kent to Harwich Harbour.

The yacht was making some progress under sail but with darkness falling and their engine not working the crew of the vessel were becoming concerned about making safe harbour.

Once on scene the lifeboat passed a line to the vessel and a tow was made in to Walton Backwaters.

After securing the yacht alongside at Titchmarsh Marina the lifeboat returned to its berth at Walton Pier shortly after 1am.

Commenting afterwards volunteer crew member Kevin Leech said: 'We were happy to provide the people on the vessel with reassurance and a tow to safe harbour at what was clearly a difficult time for them.'

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please telephone Miranda Rayner, Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799691852 or [email protected]

Or Dale Steggles, Walton and Frinton RNLI Deputy Press Officer on 07540802302 or [email protected]


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.

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