Drifting yacht towed to safety by RNLI Lifeboat

The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat were tasked by the UK Coastguard to go to the assistance of a 28 foot sailing yacht that was drifting towards the main shipping lanes in the Warps area of the Thames Estuary.

The yacht with a father and son onboard was in difficulties due to engine failure and with the lack of any wind it was not possible to set sail to get out of trouble.

Launching at 8.49pm with a crew of seven the lifeboat quickly established communications with the casualty vessel via VHF radio

The lifeboat located the casualty at 9.18pm and with a towline secured the vessel was taken to the safety of Queenborough Harbour where it was secured on the all tide landing at 11.34pm.

After giving safety advice the ALB was released and was back on station at 11.49pm

Weather Part cloudy, Wind ENE 6 knts, Sea state calm, visibility good.

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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