Walton and Frinton RNLI launch in challenging conditions during Storm Francis
Volunteer crew at Walton and Frinton RNLI were sent to assist a lone yachtsman on Tuesday night.
The eight metre long yacht had sought shelter from the storm in Walton Backwaters but its anchor was unable to hold against the very strong winds and the vessel had been pushed onto mud banks.
In very challenging conditions the lifeboat managed to put two crew on to the yacht to assist the one person on board. They then recovered the anchor and established a tow.
Once clear of the mud bank the yacht was placed on a secure mooring further up the river.
With winds gusting 40knots WSW and conditions not set to improve the lifeboat coxswain took the decision to leave the Irene Muriel Rees in Titchmarsh Marina for the night, the crew returning the all-weather lifeboat to the Pier Head berth the next day.
Speaking afterwards the Lifeboat Coxswain, Trevor Halls said: 'Given the conditions that night the lone sailor was in a potentially dangerous situation, we were pleased to be able to provide a good outcome for him.'
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please telephone Miranda Rayner, Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799691852 or [email protected]
Or Dale Steggles, Walton and Frinton RNLI Deputy Press Officer on 07540802302 or [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
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