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Swanage all-weather lifeboat launches to assist yacht struggling to make way

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday morning the Swanage all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was requested to assist a yacht that was struggling to make way in light winds and was drifting towards the cliffs.

Swanage lifeboat crew in front of the Shannon class lifeboat

RNLI/Roydon Woodford

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The yacht had been making way under sail, however the wind had dropped and the yacht was struggling to make way against the tide. The yacht skipper had also explained to UK HM Coastguard that there was no fuel so they could not rely on their engine. The yacht was reported to be between Durlston and St Albans Head and ALB launched quickly and made contact with the casualty yacht. As the lifeboat rounded Peveril Point Buoy to commence heading west, communication was established with the casualty yacht who advised the lifeboat that they were in Durlston Bay making way under sail with their spinnaker up as the wind had picked up slightly.

With the yacht identified and now entering open water, with intentions to head to the Solent, the skipper confirmed he was happy to continue on route if they could arrange a plan to take on some fuel. The lifeboat informed the skipper of the services of Sea Start, and contact was established to arrange assistance. With the yacht safely underway, with fuel provision arranged, the lifeboat was freed to return to station.

Notes to Editors

  • Photograph of Swanage Lifeboat Crew - Credit Roydon Woodford

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Becky Mack, Swanage RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07812 558487 or at [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 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 142,700 lives.

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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.

About the author

Becky Mack
Lifeboat Press Officer, Swanage Lifeboat Station

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