
St Bees RNLI called to yacht in distress off Whitehaven
St Bees RNLI volunteers were paged on Thursday 1 June at 7.33am assist a stricken yacht near Whitehaven.
The lifeboat launched in search of a yacht, which was at risk of being run aground due to a lack of propulsion and steerage.
The lifeboat crew used the DF, Directional Finder, to locate the vessel located just off Whitehaven Harbour. Due to the risk of the vessel drifting into the nearby rocks, the decision was made to tow the vessel to safety.
An initial astern tow was established and the lifeboat made way towards Whitehaven Harbour. Upon reaching the outer harbour, the lifeboat crew transitioned to an alongside tow to have greater control of the yacht through the harbour lock gates.
The yacht was then taken to a free berth where the lifeboat was met by members of Whitehaven Coastguard.
With the yacht now safely moored, the lifeboat headed back to the station where it was refuelled, washed down and made ready for the next service.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Joe Raymond, St Bees RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07742207222 [email protected] or Claire Elshaw, Regional Media Officer on 07468 353082 or [email protected] or contact the 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.