Yarmouth RNLI rescue dismasted yacht following Mayday call

Lifeboats News Release

Yarmouth’s Severn class all weather lifeboat, 'Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer)', was tasked by HM Coastguard on Thursday 9 July 2020 at 3.21am to a Mayday call from a sailing vessel.

The Yarmouth Lifeboat: Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer)

RNLI/Teresa Fox

Dismasted yacht safely arriving in Yarmouth harbour

Yarmouth RNLI’s volunteer crew responded to the pager in the early hours of the morning and headed west out of the Solent to a 24ft yacht in distress approximately six miles south west of St Catherine’s Point. In the rough and challenging conditions of a Force 6 westerly wind, two RNLI crew members were put on board the dismasted boat to assess the situation.

The three persons on board the yacht were unharmed. Before establishing a tow line, the two RNLI crew made secure the broken mast and rigging in preparation for the journey back to Yarmouth in moderate to rough conditions.

On the approach into Yarmouth Harbour, the tow line was released and the casualty vessel made its way into the harbour using its own engine assisted by the RNLI.

Deputy Coxswain, Pete Lemonious said: ‘As part of planning a safe passage, always consider the timing and distance; taking into consideration the weather forecast and sea conditions.’

Yarmouth lifeboat returned to her berth and was ready for service at 7.55am.

Media contacts:

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

Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer SE and London [email protected]

The Yarmouth Lifeboat, Eric and Susan Hiscocks (Wanderer)

RNLI/Teresa Fox

Yarmouth RNLI return to harbour after overnight rescue

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.