Douglas RNLI launch to assist stranded sailors
The volunteer crew from Douglas RNLI Lifeboat Station rescued sailors, and their dog, when their vessel had engine trouble.
The sailors called for assistance when they discovered they were having engine problems on the 10m yacht whilst 1 mile off the coast of Douglas.
Douglas RNLI all-weather lifeboat Marine Engineer launched on Wednesday 14th September at 2.55PM following a request from the Coastguard.
The lifeboat crew checked that all on board the yacht were safe and well before assessing the situation with the vessel. A decision was made to establish a towline and return to Douglas harbour. The passage back to port with the vessel under tow took 45 minutes.
Tony Radcliffe, Douglas RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘There is always an element of uncertainty when you are on the sea, it is always important to ensure you have adequate communication devices that are well-charged. The sailors took the right action in calling the coastguard, and with them not being too far we were able to get to them quickly and bring them home safely.’
The RNLI volunteers washed down the Marine Engineer and refuelled it to ensure the lifeboat was ready for the next call out.
For more information please contact Charli Dimelow, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07624 436013 or email
[email protected] or Claire Elshaw on [email protected] / 07468 353082. Alternatively contact RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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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.