Walton and Frinton RNLI assist lone sailor
The volunteers at Walton and Frinton RNLI had an interrupted start to their working day on Thursday 10 June when they were sent to assist a sailor in difficulty.
The yacht, with one person aboard, had become entangled in fishing gear and was unable to move.
Once on scene the crew of the all-weather lifeboat Irene Muriel Rees used their equipment to help remove the lines from the yacht’s rudder. Having established that no damage had been sustained the lifeboat returned to her berth at Walton Pier and the yacht continued on its journey south to Brightlingsea.
Speaking of behalf of the team, volunteer crew member Miranda Rayner said: ‘The gentleman on the yacht had made attempts to free himself from the fishing gear but with the tide running it proved impossible. We were able to take the weight off the lines and untangle the ropes which had become wrapped around the yacht’s rudder.
‘Happily the yacht had been under sail when it became entangled so the propeller was clear. With no damage sustained the yacht was able to continue on its way without further assistance.’
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please telephone Miranda Rayner, Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799691852 or [email protected]
Or Dale Steggles, Walton and Frinton RNLI Deputy Press Officer on 07540802302 or [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 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.