Clacton RNLI and Walton & Frinton RNLI assist yacht in rough sea conditions

At 5.30pm on 6 August, the volunteers of Clacton RNLI launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat David Porter MPS into a 25 knot south westerly, creating rough sea conditions, after UK Coastguard had requested their assistance in locating a 28-foot yacht, suffering from complete power failure, and unable to deploy their anchor.

The volunteers made best safe speed in the rough conditions to the yacht’s reported position of Colne Bar, but found nothing. A quick trip to Colne Point in case the location had been confused, but still no sighting. Unable to make contact via radio, the Coastguard managed to make contact via a mobile phone. Admitting he was confused about his location, the skipper did say he could see the radar mast at Holland Haven. The lifeboat duly headed in that direction, checking on various yachts until they sighted the yacht in distress one-mile south east of Frinton-On-Sea’s Connaught Ave.

Once alongside, a crew member was placed aboard the yacht, which was totally at the mercy of the elements. They checked on the welfare of the occupant and made preparations for a tow towards Harwich.

Clacton RNLI’s lifeboat was met by Walton & Frinton RNLI’s lifeboat Irene Muriel Rees at Pye End buoy, three miles north of the Naze Tower. The tow was transferred for the onward journey to Shotley Marina.

While returning to station after transferring the tow, Clacton’s Atlantic 85 was requested to check on the welfare of another yacht off the Naze, after 999 calls had been received. They were guided onto the yacht in question by the Clacton Coastguard mobile unit.

All was well aboard the yacht, allowing the crew to return to station, where they were recovered and ready for service by 8.45pm.

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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.

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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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