
Fleetwood RNLI launch to assist yacht with loss of power
On Saturday 16 November, Fleetwood RNLI launched to assist a yacht in distress.
Our RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were paged at 8.48am to launch Fleetwood’s all-weather lifeboat Kenneth James Pierpoint.
A 34ft yacht with two casualties onboard sent out a Mayday call requesting assistance after a total loss of power whilst under sail near Rossall Point.
There was a light north-westerly wind present and this started to push the vessel onto King Scar. The tide was moving at 6 knots, and due to these factors, the vessel was drifting into significant danger.
Our lifeboat launched and headed to the location of the yacht. The lifeboat crew promptly located the vessel and due to the danger of the situation and risk of it escalating- with the conditions, a decision was made for the lifeboat to establish tow.
The crew assisted the vessel back to Fleetwood Marina where they were met by our volunteer colleagues from HM Coastguard Fleetwood, who provided support. The lifeboat returned to station at 11.10am.
Daryl Randles, who was Coxswain of the lifeboat said:
‘The Irish Sea can be unforgiving at the best of times, and in this case every second counted as the vessel drifted into danger.
'Our volunteers were able to reach them in time because the yacht crew knew to carry a means of calling for help and to use it as soon as they realised their situation. If you find yourself likewise in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Notes to editors
- Fleetwood’s RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat is named KENNETH JAMES PIERPOINT and is a Shannon class boat.
- Fleetwood’s RNLI Inshore Lifeboat is named HARBET and is a D-Class boat.
- Photo credit: RNLI/Chris Jameson
- Fleetwood lifeboat station has been operating since 1859. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: http://fleetwoodlifeboat.org.uk/
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact David Devereux, Fleetwood RNLI Press Officer, on 07591 675733 /[email protected], Amy Teebay, Fleetwood RNLI Deputy Press Officer on [email protected],
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728315 / [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 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.