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Yacht towed from a dangerous situation by Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat

Lifeboats News Release

A yacht with two people on board and overwhelmed by wind and tide was towed clear from the path of a huge bulk car carrier.

The casualty craft being towed to safety by the Sheerness all-weather lifeboat 'Judith Copping Joyce'

RNLI/Vic Booth

Towed to safety.

The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI all-weather lifeboat ‘Judith Copping Joyce’ launched at 7.10pm on Sunday 23 July after being tasked by the UK Coastguard to a 27' yacht in difficulties in the Medway Estuary.

The yacht with two people onboard was on passage from Maldon in Essex to Hoo Marina when it became overwhelmed by the strong South Westerly wind and strong ebb tide in the area at the time.

Having only a tiny outboard engine as back-up the craft was struggling to get round Harrison Point and was in a dangerous situation in the middle of the shipping channel just as a large car carrier had left Sheerness Docks in the same area.

Making best speed the lifeboat quickly located the casualty and took it in tow and moved it across to West Shore, clearing the channel for the car carrier to depart the Estuary.

With the danger averted the yacht was then towed to Queenborough Harbour and made fast on all-tide landing at 8.10pm.

The ALB was back on station and ready for further service at 8.30pm.

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.

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