Walton and Frinton RNLI launch to the aid of a yacht in difficulty

The 44ft yacht was on passage from Holland when he was becalmed and suffered engine failure 23 miles East of the Walton & Frinton Lifeboat station. The yacht had been making good headway until the wind dropped and a fuel pump issue stopped the engine soon after it was started.

With the yacht close to the Inner Gabbard Windfarm, a support vessel Challenger commenced a tow to bring the yacht out of danger. With the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) making best possible speed to meet the yacht and Challenger a rendezvous was arranged.

With the transfer of tow completed a course was set for Titchmarsh Marina where the casualty was safely moored and the ALB was released to return to station to be readied for service again.

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.