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Aldeburgh RNLI and Southwold RNLI aid yacht with unwell crew and engine failure

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the Freddie Cooper was launched on Tuesday 27 July, at approximately 4.40pm, following a Coastguard request, to a report of a 35 foot yacht with engine problems and unwell crew, south of Aldeburgh.

RNLI

Towing casualty vessel

The ALB was launched at 4.40pm and on arrival at scene, the ALB crew found the casualty was making slow progress, as their crew had been unable to use the engine. The situation was assessed and it was decided, by the ALB crew, that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualty.

One member of the crew was also suffering with sea sickness and dehydration. The ALB crew attached a tow line and proceeded towards Southwold. By this time both of the casualty crew were exhausted.

On arrival at Southwold, Southwold lifeboat met the casualty and crew boarded the yacht to assess the casualty crew.

Southwold’s lifeboat took over the tow and the yacht was taken to moorings. Once the casualty was secured safely, the ALB was stood down and returned to station.

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.

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