Yarmouth RNLI rescue yacht aground off Hurst Castle

Yarmouth RNLI headed west out of Yarmouth Harbour and made good speed to be alongside the casualty located to the west of the sandbar close in to Hurst Castle. Once alongside a crew member was put on board to assess the situation using appropriate safety measures under the RNLI COVID 19 guidance.

As the yacht was aground in a falling tide and rough conditions with south westerly winds of up to 29 knots, the decision was made for the RNLI to attach a tow line and attempt to free the stricken vessel.

Having successfully refloated the yacht, checks were made to establish that she was no water ingress. The boat was then escorted into Lymington Yacht Haven by Yarmouth RNLI, where she was met by coastguard teams and lifted out to check for damage.

Coxswain, Howard Lester, said: ‘ Ensure that weather conditions and tides are taken into careful consideration, along with navigational hazards as part of passage planning before setting sail.’

Yarmouth lifeboat returned to her berth and was ready for service at 3.07pm.

The RNLI remains an independent charity that relies on voluntary contributions to fund its lifesaving work.

Media contacts:

Teresa Fox, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Yarmouth Lifeboat Station [email protected] 07976 731906

Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (07785) 296252 [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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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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.