Littlehampton RNLI called upon to rescue dismasted yacht drifting at sea

HM Coastguard tasked the RNLI to assist a yacht which had suffered a catastrophic equipment failure, the loss of it’s mast, despite a relatively moderate force 4 north-easterly wind. The volunteer lifeboat crews are not currently undertaking water based training due to Coronavirus restrictions, but in an emergency they are still available 24/7 to save lives at sea.

Skies were clear, but visibility was limited due to haze. The four lifeboat crew arrived on the scene to find that the two persons on the casualty vessel had cut away the rigging to jettison the mast. Although there was some damage to the deck and side rails the vessel was not holed. The yacht’s crew were checked and found to be uninjured, but they were shaken by their experience and very grateful to have the RNLI charity’s willing team there to help.

The decision was taken to tow the yacht to Littlehampton harbour. One of the lifeboat crew stayed on board the casualty vessel to make good the tow line and ensure safe passage through the harbour narrows. An hour later, the yacht was brought alongside the easterly pontoon and the lifeboat returned to the boathouse.

Lifeboat helm, Ivan Greer, said

“Although the winds were not particularly strong, the mast of the yacht appeared to have detached from it’s mounting on the deck. We quickly assessed the damage to the vessel, ensuring that it was not taking on water, in preparation for putting the yacht on tow. By the time we were underway the tide had moved both vessels a further 2 miles to the east meaning the tow back to Littlehampton took about an hour. The shore crew were waiting at the boathouse to recover the lifeboat and ready it for service – it’s important to remember there are many people behind the scenes which enabled us to rescue this vessel and her crew today.”

ENDS

RNLI media contacts

Anthony Fogg, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07823 509032 [email protected]

Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, London and South East 07785 296252 [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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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.