Aldeburgh RNLI and Harwich RNLI launched to help yacht in difficulty

It followed a Coastguard request to assist a yacht in difficulty outside the river mouth, south of Aldeburgh. The 33 foot vessel, with two persons on board, having engine problems and had attempted to drop an anchor, but this was dragging on the sea bed. The casualty crew were starting to tire and becoming distressed.

Once on scene, the situation was assessed and, although the casualty vessel was now under power, the engine was intermittently cutting out. It was decided by the ILB crew that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualty.

Due to the sea conditions, the ILB was making slow progress in winds reaching 25 knots, so it was decided to enlist the help of RNLI Harwich's all-weather lifeboat (ALB), as the ILB was also at the limit of its range, to take over.

Harwich ALB Albert Brown was paged at 3.10pm, making all possible speed and arrived on scene at 4pm where it took over to tow. Aldeburgh's ILB was then stood down and returned to station at 7.00pm. The Albert Brown then proceeded to Shotley Marina where the the casualties were handed over to Holbrook and Felixstowe coastguard, and then returned to station and refuelled at 1845 ready to wait for the next call of this busy year.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone :-

• Caron Hill, Aldeburgh RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07837 263210/ [email protected]

• Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer (North and East) 01642 790636 / 07824518641/ [email protected]

• Jim Rice, RNLI Regional Media Manager (North and East), 07810658072/ [email protected]

or contact the RNLI Press Office 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 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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