Wells RNLI assist yacht crew ashore after grounding on sands
Wells RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox launched at 11:01am on Tuesday 7 April to assist a 20 metre yacht with two people onboard, reported aground around half a mile north of Wells Coastwatch lookout.
The vessel could be seen from the boathouse, hard aground on Bob Hall Sands close to the harbour bar, with the tide falling away. The yacht’s crew had earlier been seen in the water but were safely back onboard when the lifeboat arrived on scene at 11:03am.
With no prospect of refloating the vessel on the falling tide, lifeboat crew deployed an anchor and proceeded to bring both people safely ashore, landing them at 11:19am.
Chris Hardy, Wells RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘Launching early was key as the tide was already falling and the vessel was firmly aground on the sands. Thankfully, both people were safe and we were able to bring them ashore without incident. This is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change around the harbour entrance, particularly near sandbanks and channels.’
The yacht’s crew intend to return on the evening tide to recover the vessel to its mooring within the harbour.
The inshore lifeboat was recovered at 11:24am.
Wells RNLI is reminding anyone heading out on the water to check the weather and tide times, carry appropriate safety equipment, and be aware of the shifting sandbanks and channels around the harbour entrance.
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.