Yarmouth RNLI rescue rudderless yacht
Yarmouth’s Severn class all weather lifeboat, ‘Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer)’, was tasked to launch by HM Coastguard on Sunday 6 March 2022 at 7.45am to a 42ft yacht that had lost its rudder, leaving it without steerage.
Yarmouth RNLI’s volunteer crew headed west out of Yarmouth harbour against the incoming tide, towards the Needles. The casualty vessel was located by the all weather lifeboat (ALB) at anchor south of the Needles, where they had sheltered from 18 – 25 knots of north easterly wind.
Having assessed the situation and established that everyone on board the yacht was safe and well, the Coxswain made the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the vessel.
Prior to entering Yarmouth harbour an alongside tow was established in order to safely manoeuvre the yacht into a berth, where she was met by the Needle’s Coastguard team.
Lifeboat Coxswain, Howard Lester, said ‘The skipper of the Yacht had taken the sensible decision to anchor safely until help arrived. The crew were suitably equipped with weatherproof clothing and life jackets.
Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat refuelled and was ready for service at 10.00am.
The RNLI remains an independent charity that relies on voluntary contributions to fund its lifesaving work.
Media contacts:
Teresa Fox, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Yarmouth Lifeboat Station [email protected] 07976 731906
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer SE and London [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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.
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.