Lymington RNLI assist Swanage lifeboat with a sailing yacht taking on water
On 8 August at 6.02pm, Lymington RNLI were tasked to assist Swanage lifeboat, who were assisting a J120 sailing yacht into Lymington, with six people on board.
The yacht has been taking part in the Fastnet race and had sustained damage to the keel after hitting something in the water, resulting in significant water ingress.
The station's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat B-882 David Bradley launched under the helm of Declan O’Riordan and proceeded quickly out of the Lymington River. The lifeboat approached the casualty vessel and the Swanage lifeboat near Hurst Castle.
Two crew members and a savage pump were transferred to the sailing boat, but it became apparent that the larger savage pump was required. Two additional lifeboat members from Swanage and the larger pump was transferred over to the sailing boat. This helped slow down the water ingress and the sailing boat was escorted to Berthon Marina where an immediate haul had been arrange for the boat. Once out of the water the damage to the yacht keel was obvious.
Helm Declan O’Riordan said ‘Despite been well prepared and experienced, the unexpected can still happen at sea. We worked with our colleagues from Swanage RNLI to get this serious situation under control and the yacht safely ashore. Well done to all crew’.
The lifeboat was refuelled and prepared for service again at 7.47pm.
Lymington RNLI crew members, Greg Pachany, Ben Bradley-Watson, Ed Wallrock
Suzanne Brown, Lifeboat Press Officer, Lymington Lifeboat Station (07711) 393910 [email protected]
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, SE and London (07785) 296252 [email protected]
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