Stricken yacht crew wakes volunteers with a request for assistance

The yacht had unintentionally run over its own spinnaker and got it tangled around its prop and rudder. Unable to steer or clear the obstruction themselves the yacht's crew called the UK Coastguard.

The all-weather lifeboat launched and was alongside the yacht 20 minutes later. After a chat with the skipper it was agreed that the best course of action was to take the yacht in tow back to Swanage. They could then arrange to clear the obstruction in the daylight. The towline was connected and an hour later the yacht was secured to the RNLI mooring in Swanage Bay.

The lifeboat was then recovered to its slipway, washed down and made ready for the next service.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Robert Aggas, Gavin Steeden, John Deas, Bryan Jones, Fergus Holley, Neil Brooks
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Andy Redout, Tom Greasty, Alan Parmenter

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.