Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI volunteers in late night search for overdue sailing yacht

The Atlantic Class lifeboat was tasked to search the north shore from Burnham up to Holliwell, with the D Class lifeboat tasked to search the south shore from Creaksea up to Foulness.

The Atlantic Class located the sailing yacht without navigation lights close to Holliwell race mark, with all three sailors quite happily making their way back to Creaksea albeit very slowly due to the wind dropping on them.

The D Class lifeboat was stood down along with Coastguard mobile units.

The sailing yacht was taken under tow back to Creaksea due to the lack of wind and for the safety of the 3 casualties.

Upon arrival in Creaksea the three sailors were left in the hands of South Woodham Coastguard unit for a safety talk.

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.