RNLI Aldeburgh lifeboats launched to rescue a stranded yacht
RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the Freddie Cooper and inshore lifeboat (ILB), the Susan Scott was launched on Tuesday 7 June, at approximately 5.11pm, following a Coastguard request, to a report of a 16 foot yacht aground on the beach, north of Aldeburgh.
The RNLI Aldeburgh ILB was requested, by the Coastguard, at 4.45pm to launch. The casualty vessel was aground, the casualty crew was unable to refloat it independently and requested assistance.
Once on scene, the ILB crew assessed the situation and decided the safest option was to attach a tow line to pull it off the beach. Once off the beach it became apparent that, as there had been a swell, the casualty vessel had damaged its rudder when aground.
As they had no steering, the ALB was requested to launch to take over the tow. It was decided to take the casualty to Southwold, as the nearest safe haven.
The ILB was stood down and returned to station at 6pm. The ALB continued towards Southwold, when the casualty crew reported taking on water. An ALB crew was put onboard with a pump, to assist. Once near Southwold, they were met by Southwold’s ILB, who took over the tow into the harbour.
The ALB returned to station at 9.20pm, having ensured that the casualty was at safe moorings.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone :-
- Caron Hill, Aldeburgh RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07837 263210 email [email protected]
· Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer (North and East) 01642 790636 / 07824518641/ [email protected]
- Jim Rice, RNLI Regional Media Manager (North and East), 07810658072/ [email protected]
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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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