Littlehampton RNLI rescues grounded yacht
The volunteer crew of Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station assisted a 23-foot yacht that had run aground close to the entrance of Littlehampton Harbour yesterday afternoon (18 June).
Littlehampton RNLI’s Ray of Hope lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard shortly before 5pm to reports of a yacht half a mile from Littlehampton Harbour, opposite Littlehampton West Beach.
When the crew arrived on the scene, the yacht was aground and anchored, but there was no one aboard. Visibility was good and the sea was smooth.
Billy Johnson, Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station’s Deputy Launching Authority, said: ‘This shout came at low tide, so the yacht could not return to the harbour. Our crew decided to stay with the vessel for a couple of hours because they were concerned about the risk of the anchor dragging towards the West Works.’
The vessel was successfully refloated just before 7pm and Ray of Hope towed it back to its berth at Littlehampton Marina.
ENDS
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Beth Brooks, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07544 209256 [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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 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.
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