Dramatic rescue for Weymouth RNLI

Monday 3 May 2021

Both Weymouth RNLI lifeboats were launched just after 9.30pm on Monday 3 May to search for a yacht in Weymouth Bay which had broken free from its mooring in Portland Harbour.

When it broke free in severe gale force winds from its mooring, the skipper of the 44’ yacht (which is the home to the 2 people and a dog on board) had managed to get the engine started and had just enough control of the yacht, with his sails in shreds in the severe gale force winds he managed to steer the yacht through the North entrance of Portland Harbour and out into the bay.

Under bare poles, in the severe gale force winds and rough seas, the yacht was being swept across the bay at approximately 6 knots.

Once the yacht had been located, the Inshore lifeboat managed to get two crew members onto the casualty vessel and assisted the crew of the All-weather lifeboat by securing a tow, which took around 20 minutes of hard work by all involved.

By this time the yacht was approximately ½ mile from Redcliff Point and only minutes from running ashore.

Once the vessel was under tow the All-weather lifeboat managed to pull the yacht to the safety of Weymouth Harbour, arriving at about midnight.

Ken Francis

Volunteer press officer

Tel. 07843781712

[email protected]

Amy Caldwell

RNLI Regional Media Manager

Tel: 07920818807

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.

Dramatic rescue for Weymouth RNLI

Categories