
Calshot RNLI launches to drifting yacht during Emergency Services Day
Visitors to the 2023 Emergency Services Day saw volunteer crew from Calshot RNLI launch to a yacht adrift close to Calshot Spit.
Both lifeboats were on the slipway, with visitors able to board them and talk to the volunteers that crew them. However, at 12:25pm eagle eyed crew members spotted a yacht drifting towards shore. After a brief consultation with HM Coastguard, it was decided to launch to the casualty vessel.
Visitors on the slipway were immediately cleared and Calshot’s Atlantic 85 B Class Lifeboat Max Walls was launched.
On reaching the scene, Helm Graham Burgess placed a crew member aboard the casualty vessel, where it became apparent that the two occupants were unaware that their vessel had come adrift of its mooring, was drifting and in danger of beaching.
Under supervision from the crew of the B Class, the occupants returned to secure their vessel to their mooring under their own power, before the lifeboat made the short trip back to shore to recommence their participation in the Emergency Services Day event, where RNLI Mascot Stormy Stan made an appearance.
Calshot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Jane Banting said: ‘The currents around our shoreline are incredibly strong and can easily pull craft into danger in almost the blink of an eye. Our crew were vigilant in spotting the potential danger and took decisive action to resolve the situation before it became critical. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the bystanders that cooperated to clear the area and ensure we could safely launch on service to the casualty vessel.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Justyn Leonard, Lifeboat Press Officer on 07540 920678 or email [email protected]
Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
Notes to editors
Calshot Lifeboat Station was established in 1970 and is situated on Calshot Spit at the seaward end of Southampton Water. It operates an Atlantic 85 B Class Lifeboat, Max Walls and a D Class Lifeboat, Willett.
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.