Redcar RNLI Lifeboat launched to aid yacht heading for rocks
An RNLI volunteer spotted a yacht was potentially heading towards danger thanks to his local knowledge and got help to the vessel by calling the coastguard.
At 11.52am on Friday 7 February, volunteer lifeboat crew were paged by HM Coastguard after Redcar RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager (LON)Mike Picknett spotted a yacht heading towards dangerous rocks off Redcar.
Mike said: 'I saw the vessel coming over the rocks and immediately rang the Coastguard.
'The yacht was taking white water over the deck in some places and was heading towards East Scar.'
Redcar RNLI’s Atlantic 85 Leicester Challenge III was launched immediately to help the yacht and arrived to aid just in time.
Nathan Hobday, Helm of the lifeboat said: 'We reached the yacht just before they started to cross over East Scar, and, had they continued their course, they wouldn’t have made it out of the other side.
'To make sure the yacht made it to safe water, I decided to put one of our volunteer crew on board who, with the aid of the lifeboat, managed to guide the yacht to safer water.'
The yacht was on passage from Hartlepool to Whitby, the weather conditions at the time were force 5 easterly, with up to 3m seas, with a forecast of force 8 later.
The yacht crew were advised to change their plans and return to Hartlepool, which they did.
Mike Picknett added: 'Our volunteer crew train for rescues like this and their knowledge of the local sea and rocks helped to ensure a safe outcome for all.
'Their prompt action probably stopped the yacht from foundering on the rocks.
'If you think you see a vessel in trouble then do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.'
Notes to Editors
Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802
Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Eileen May Loach-Thomas, paid from the legacy of the late Mr Nick Thomas of Shropshire
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Andy Watson, Lifeboat Press Officer, Redcar RNLI on 07954 435834 or 01642 484491 or email: [email protected]
Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East: 07824 518641.
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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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