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Yacht calls Port Erin RNLI lifeboat for assistance whilst on exercise

Lifeboats News Release

Port Erin Lifeboat volunteer crew launched the inshore Atlantic 85, Muriel and Leslie, for a routine training exercise on Tuesday, 24 August, in a north-north easterly calm, dark evening.

Helmsman Tony Mitchell Looking at casulty vessal

RNLI/Callum Qualtrough

Lifeboat assisting yacht
The volunteer crew had to change their exercise plan, when a yacht with two people onboard called them over VHF radio requesting assistance navigating the Calf/Sound area.

Helmsman Tony Mitchell manoeuvred the lifeboat in front of the yacht. While doing a safe speed, navigated past Kitterland and Thousla Rock into open water towards Port St Mary. The vessel then thanked the lifeboat volunteers and proceeded to make its way to its destination.

Helmsman Tony Mitchell returned the lifeboat and the volunteer crew members back to Port Erin Lifeboat station, shortly after 10pm, where they re-housed and made the lifeboat ready for service again.

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.