Belgian yacht towed to safety by RNLI Lifeboat
Sheerness RNLI all weather lifeboat was launched after a Pan-Pan call was received from a Belgian registered yacht reported being in trouble in the Thames Estuary.
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched at 4.55pm on Wednesday 29 May after being tasked by the UK Coastguard in response to a Pan Pan call received from a 15m Belgian yacht with 4 persons onboard.
The casualty was located in the Shivering Sands area of the Thames Estuary, approximately 12 miles from Garrison point on the Isle of Sheppey
The yacht had suffered an engine problem and due to the F6 winds being experienced in the Estuary at the time had also suffered some damage to its sails.
The Lifeboat made contact by VHF radio with a fellow yacht that was standing by the casualty vessel and relevant information was then relayed to the casualty.
The ALB arrived on scene at 5.40pm and had the vessel under tow at 5.45pm.The casualty vessel was then towed to the All-Tide Landing at Queenborough where it was made secure at 7.40pm. The weather on scene was wind SSW F6, 0.5m swell with good visibility. The ALB was released and returned to station at 7.50pm and ready for service at 8.25pm.
Ends
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