RNLI Clacton launch to yacht run aground
On Monday 29 May 2023 just after 1.30pm, volunteer crews from the Clacton-on-Sea RNLI Lifeboat station launched to reports of a yacht that had run aground in the area of Buxey Sands.
The volunteer crew launched their lifeboat, the B-Class Atlantic 85 into clear but windy and slight sea conditions and headed to the reported location off Buxey Sands. Upon locating the vessel, due to the low state of the tide, it was clear that the crew would not be able to immediately free the vessel, so, one of the crew members entered the shallow waters, boarded the vessel and dropped the vessel’s anchor to prevent the vessel from drifting once the tide turned.
As vessel started to float, our volunteer crew established a tow line with the vessel and after three attempts, successfully moved the vessel off the sand bank and into deeper water, proceeding to tow the vessel back to Brightlingsea harbour. Upon arrival, and in agreement with the harbour master, the vessel was moored to a visitor pontoon.
As the crew were leaving the harbour, they were flagged down by another vessel in distress, and subsequently towed this vessel into the harbour where it was safely moored.
The crews returned to the station where the lifeboat was recovered, cleaned, refuelled and ready for service by 6.45pm.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or
[email protected]
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 142,700 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.