
Minehead RNLI rescue yacht in peril
Minehead's volunteer crew launch to assist a stricken yacht in challenging conditions.
Passers-by had reported a sighting of an unlit sailing vessel just off Watchet Harbour, the occupants of which were shouting for help and in a perilous position just 150m off the rocky harbour entrance and surrounding coastline.
Realising the imminent danger, the volunteer crew immediately launched and made good speed towards Watchet. Conditions on scene were challenging, with a significant Force 4 swell caused by a strong westerly wind, and a high spring tide.
Shore-based Coastguard assets assisted the crew by illuminating the stricken vessel, clearly illustrating the immediate danger of grounding.
Despite the challenging conditions and poor visibility, within 14 minutes of launch a tow line was quickly attached to the 30ft vessel, which was then towed to a safe mooring within the harbour.
Both persons on board were safe and well, albeit shocked, having sailed from Ilfracombe and lost all power close to Watchet, rendering their onboard radio inoperative. They had correctly dropped anchor, but this was also ineffective and dragging.
This marked Ross Hartgen's first shout as a newly revalidated helm.
Ross said: 'This was a challenging rescue due to conditions on scene but the training of the crew was key.
'This rescue illustrates the need to always carry a backup means of communication in an emergency - It was fortunate that persons on the shore were able to raise the alarm.'
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.