Swanage RNLI lifeboats launch to yacht on the rocks
In the early hours of the morning, shortly after 2.30am, Swanage all-weather lifeboat George Thomas Lacy was tasked reports of a yacht aground near St Aldhelm's Head.
UK Coastguard had received a report of an individual making land having abandoned their yacht. The casualty was taken to hospital and as details obtained from the casualty were limited a search ensued to locate the yacht and check for any further casualties.
The local St Alban's Coastguard and Swanage Coastguard located a yacht aground off the rocky coast just to the west of St Aldhelm's Head. The all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene to assess access to the stricken vessel. It soon became apparent that the yacht was stuck hard on the rocks but was too shallow for the all-weather lifeboat to gain access. The Swanage inshore lifeboat Phyl & Jack was launched to join the Swanage all-weather lifeboat to put a volunteer crew member aboard to check for any casualties onboard.
Due to rough conditions on scene the inshore lifeboat used its anchor line to veer down on the casualty vessel, putting a volunteer crew member aboard to check for any casualties and assess for damage.
Inshore lifeboat helmsman Gavin Steeden said ‘the conditions were challenging with a rolling swelling creating breaking waves around the stranded yacht. By veering to the casualty vessel we were able to check for submerged rocks and position the inshore lifeboat alongside to safely put a crew member onboard’.
No one was found onboard. With no risk to life and as the hull of the yacht was significantly damaged the yacht was left in position.
A shoreline search of the surrounding area was commenced by both lifeboats and the local Coastguard teams from St Alban's and Swanage. With nothing found the lifeboats were released to return to the station, returning shortly after 6.00am.
Notes to Editors
Photos shows Swanage RNLI, credit Andy Lyons
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