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Seahouses RNLI called to yacht dragging anchor at Holy Island

Lifeboats News Release

At 10.52pm on Thursday 6th October 2022, HM Coastguard requested the launch of Seahouses all-weather lifeboat, to go to the assistance of a 30ft yacht at Holy Island haven.

Seahouses Shannon Class Lifeboat under way

RNLI/Ian Clayton

Seahouses Shannon Class Lifeboat under way
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The yacht had one crew aboard, was dragging its anchor, and requesting assistance.

The volunteer crew launched and made best speed to Holy Island. Sea conditions were not good, with a freshening wind gusting gale force at times. On arrival at Holy Island, the yacht was found to be in close proximity to other moored vessels, all with mooring lines in the water. This made any rescue attempt difficult, and the yacht was at risk of going aground. The yacht was eventually towed further into harbour the with the yachtsman’s consent but was experiencing further problems attempting to set its anchor. The lifeboat coxswain made the decision to tow the yacht, to the harbour pier, where it was finally safely moored. The lifeboat was able to return to station, arriving at 3.10am that morning.

Volunteer Coxswain Keith Slater said:

'This was quite a challenging job, with a strong tidal flow being whipped up by a strong gusty wind, making sea conditions rough at times. The darkness and the risk from other craft close by, and the mooring lines in the water, all made it a tricky job. However, we eventually succeeded and got him safely moored up.'

Anyone seeing a vessel which they think is in danger, should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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.

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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.

About the author

Ian Clayton
Lifeboat Press Officer, Seahouses Lifeboat Station

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