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Dungeness RNLI tows yacht to safety in Rye Harbour

Lifeboats News Release

On Wednesday 2 December, Dungeness RNLI assisted a broken down yacht with two people on board, two miles from Dungeness.

It is dark with the moon shining onto the water. The stern of the boat is in the foreground and the yacht in the distance

RNLI/Jonathon Morgan

Casualty being towed into Rye Harbour under moonlight
The lifeboat launched at 5.15pm and was quickly on scene. There were two people onboard the casualty vessel who were wearing lifejackets and the vessel was around 25ft long.

It was established that their engine had failed but they had managed to get it working again.

Due to the uncertainty with the engine, it was decided that the lifeboat would escort the vessel back to their berth in Rye.

However, not much speed was being made during the passage so it was decided that the lifeboat would assist the vessel by towing them to the safety of their berth.

Once the vessel was secure, the lifeboat headed back to station at 11.30pm.

Stuart Adams, Coxswain, says: 'The yacht got into difficulties today due to engine failure and did the right thing in calling the coastguard for assistance. This highlights the importance of taking radio equipment and other means of communication with you when going to sea.'

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.

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