The volunteer crew of the Sheerness inshore lifeboat ‘Buster’ launched at 5.15pm on Saturday 15 July followed closely by the all-weather lifeboat ‘Judith Copping Joyce’ after a call from the UK Coastguard to assist a 23-foot yacht, with two people onboard, in difficulties and reported to be on the rocks at Garrison Point.
Making best speed in poor conditions the ILB was first on the scene and located the casualty at 5. 25pm.a towline was secured and the vessel was in tow and
away from the rocks five minutes later.
With the inshore lifeboat managing the tow ok the ALB stood off and escorted both into lower Camber in Sheerness docks where the casualty craft was made secure at 6.05pm.
The two people on the yacht reported they were ok and were taken ashore.
They had set sail from Lower Halstow earlier in the day and were making their way back when despite their best efforts, the strong winds blew them off course and towards the rocks.
Both lifeboats were ready for service again at 6.30pm.
Wind SW force 8 with clear skies and moderate sea.
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.