Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85, Ralph, launched to aid a yacht off Aldeburgh beach
Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85, Ralph, launched to aid a yacht off Aldeburgh beach
Lifeboats News Release
Just before 3pm on Thursday 22 May, Aldeburgh lifeboat station was tasked by the coastguard to a lone sailor on a 20ft yacht who had problems with his sail.
RNLI/Susie Potter
Launching the Atlantic 85, Ralph, 22 May 2025 by Susie Potter
The crew were paged at 2.54pm and the Atlantic 85, Ralph, was launched at 3.13pm. Conditions were good with clear visibility and the volunteer crew reached the yacht, which was only a mile from the Aldeburgh Lifeboat station, at 3.20pm.
The lone sailor was unwell, so two crew members boarded the yacht, one for a casualty care assessment and the other to take over control of the yacht.
The sailor was well enough to remain onboard and after a conversation the lifeboat crew agreed to stay on board, while the Atlantic 85 would escort the yacht to the nearest point of safety, Orford Quay.
The Aldeburgh volunteer crew arrived in Orford at 7.20pm, moored the yacht and escorted the sailor to shore. The Aldeburgh Atlantic 85,
Ralph, returned to station, was washed down, refuelled and back on service by 9.45pm.
Notes to Editors
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has been operating since 1826 and has been part of the RNLI since 1852. Since formation, their lifeboats have launched 1,267 times and saved 693 lives.
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has two boats on service: B-class Atlantic 85,
Ralph, and D class inshore lifeboat, Susan Scott.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Jo Litt, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected]
RNLI/Susie Potter
Launching the Atlantic 85, Ralph, 22 May 2025 by Susie Potter
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
