Swanage lifeboat launches to aid yacht in distress and drifting close to cliffs

The Shannon class lifeboat launched and was soon in rough seas off Anvil Point. Conditions worsened around St Albans Head, steep, short seas making the passage uncomfortable. Radio contact was made with the casualty yacht and St Albans NCI were able to provide a good visual bearing - both making finding the yacht easier.

The yacht was barely making any ground away from Worbarrow Tout and was close to the cliffs, getting the people on board to a safer position was the priority. The easiest and safest way to do that was to take the vessel under tow and gain some sea-room. A crew member leapt aboard and a few minutes later a tow was established.

Slow but steady westerly progress was made into the wind and sea, although conditions on the yacht were uncomfortable with jammed sails tearing in the wind. Discussions with the coastguard concluded that handing the tow over to Weymouth lifeboat was the best option and the Severn class Weymouth boat launched, meeting up at around 2.30pm.

The Swanage tow was dropped and the Weymouth crew re-established the tow shortly afterwards. Swanage's crew was picked up from the yacht and the lifeboat was able to return to Swanage, arriving at the slipway for a wash down at around 3.30pm

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Dave Turnbull, Steve Williams, Andy Redout, Ben Jarvis, Neil Brooks, Scott Turner

Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Paul Meacham, (Winch) Neil Collings, Emily Condie, Jack Thompson

RNLI Media Contacts

Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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