Wells RNLI launch to yacht aground on Scolt Head Island

With the yacht firmly aground, the safest method of evacuation was by air and the UK Coastguard helicopter winched the casualty to safety.

Concern then turned to the yacht itself. The immediate fear was that the yacht could become a danger to navigation. With that, Wells RNLI attempted to re-floated the yacht. After an inspection this morning, it was found that the yacht had moved half a mile to the east on the morning high tide but was still firmly aground.

Both the inshore and the all-weather lifeboats launched on the incoming tide attempted the re-float. The yacht was taken to the safety of Wells Harbour.

At 5:30pm today (Friday 6 March) the lifeboat arrived at Wells and the yacht was safely moored alongside the pontoon in the outer harbour.

Both lifeboats were rehoused and refuelled, ready for service again at 6:20pm this evening.

RNLI media contacts;

Adrian Underwood, Wells Lifeboat Deputy Press Officer, 07976 717304/ [email protected]

OR

RNLI Press Office - 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 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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