Walton and Frinton RNLI launch to assist yacht in difficulty

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their Tamar Class all-weather lifeboat into strengthening Easterly winds to assist an 8m yacht, with 2 crew on board, that had suffered engine failure 2.5 miles South-east of the lifeboat station.

Once the lifeboat and the volunteer crew were on the scene, at the request of the yacht's skipper a tow was established in order to get them back safely in the deteriorating weather. With the tow underway it was agreed to take the yacht to Titchmarsh Marina where the yacht was secured and the yacht's crew could make arrangements for repairs. With the yacht safely alongside, Dover Coastguard released the lifeboat allowing it to return to station.

Trevor Halls, Walton and Frinton RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘Mechanical failure can happen at any time, and the crew of the yacht made the sensible decision to reported their issue quickly with the deteriorating weather allowing our volunteer lifeboat crew to respond swiftly."

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please telephone Miranda Rayner, Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799691852 or email [email protected] or Dale Steggles, Walton and Frinton RNLI Deputy Press Officer on 07540802302 or email [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.

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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.