Yarmouth RNLI rescue dismasted yacht

Yarmouth RNLI’s volunteer crew headed east out of Yarmouth harbour towards Hamstead Ledge where the casualty was first reported as being located. The yacht had been completely disabled when the main mast had broken, bringing down with it all sails, rigging and the ketch’s second mast. With the strong westerly wind and flooding tide the boat, with three persons on board, was rapidly drifting in an easterly direction.

Once on scene, now east of Newtown Creek, two members of the Yarmouth RNLI volunteer crew were put on board the yacht to assess the situation. They recovered all aspects of the rigging and made it secure, then checked that the steering and engine were still in working order.

Having assessed the situation and ensured that all three persons on board were safe, the coxswain made the decision to tow the vessel to Cowes as it was the nearest safe harbour. At the entrance to Cowes Harbour, the tow was released and the yacht made her own way, under engine, escorted by Yarmouth RNLI into Trinity Landing. The boat and her crew were then met by the coastguard for further support and advice.

Deputy Coxswain, Peter Lemonious, commented ‘Despite having lost the communication of the main VHF when the mast came down, it was good that the crew had an alternative means of calling for help and notifying the coastguard – making using of their mobile phone and dialling 999.’

Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat returned to her berth in Yarmouth Harbour and was ready for service at 5.49pm.

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.