The volunteer crew were paged at 2.50pm by Dover Coastguard to a May Day from a yacht just south of the Gunfleet Wind Farm which had suffered engine failure and was struggling to proceed under sail in high winds.
Another yacht had managed to establish a tow with the vessel but with the wind and tide pushing both boats towards the wind farm and sands the additional power of the lifeboat was required.
In very challenging conditions three of the lifeboat crew were transferred onto the casualty vessel to help the two people on board and establish a tow. The lifeboat then towed the vessel to Brightlingsea but with such strong winds progress was very slow.
After mooring the vessel alongside in the harbour the lifeboat crew made sure that the two sailors aboard the casualty were none the worse for their ordeal and then made the return trip back to the lifeboat berth at Walton Pier. The volunteer crew had the RNLB
Irene Muriel Rees ready for service again a little after 8pm.
Walton and Frinton Lifeboat volunteer crew member and station Press Officer Miranda Rayner said: 'With five calls in six days this has been one of our busiest periods for some time but the dedication and thorough training of our volunteer crew has led to a successful outcome on each occasion.'
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 is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
