Dover RNLI tows yacht with double failure

The yacht was en route from Barbate in Southern Spain to Suffolk and encountered gear box failure while crossing the Bay of Biscay.

The crew managed to continue on under sail until mechanical failure struck again and her hydraulic steering failed.

The Dover RNLI crew were called out at 10:51am on Friday (Oct 1) and assessed the boat and her crew just south of Folkestone Harbour.

It was decided that a tow to safety would be the best option and the boat and her two crew, who were both fit and well, were towed to Dover.

Dover Coxswain Jon Miell said: 'Given the number of vessels in the Channel at any one time it was better for the yacht to be towed to safety where they could arrange repairs before continuing on their journey.'

Media Contacts:

Deanne Morgan, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Dover Lifeboat Station (07747) 616095 [email protected]

Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East), 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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