Motor boat with fouled propellor assisted by Yarmouth RNLI

Yarmouth RNLI’s volunteer crew were on scene with the casualty vessel within a few minutes of launching and the all weather lifeboat deployed their ’Y’ boat to assess the situation. The motor boat with four people on board had been at anchor in Bouldnor Bay.

While lifting their anchor and preparing to leave the area, the effect of the strong ebb tide and 20 knots of easterly wind took hold and swept the boat onto the nearby moorings.

Having assessed the situation, the RNLI volunteer crew worked onboard the motor boat to free the entangled mooring lines from the propeller. Despite their best efforts, after over an hour of trying to resolve the situation the decision was taken to cut the chains from the row of moorings in order to free the boat.

Using one engine – with the mooring lines still attached to the damaged propeller - the motor boat was safely escorted in Yarmouth Harbour by the RNLI.

Coxswain, Howard Lester, said; ‘We experience some very strong tides in the Western Solent. Situations can change very quickly, especially when accompanied by strong winds. It is important to take all factors into consideration when manoeuvring in confined spaces.’

Yarmouth lifeboat returned to her berth and was ready for service at 6.50pm.

The RNLI remains an independent charity that relies on voluntary contributions to fund its lifesaving work.

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]

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, in a normal year, 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.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.