RNLI Sheerness lifeboat launched to drifting yacht near busy shipping lane
Volunteer crew at Sheerness RNLI were tasked to their sixth launch of the year on Sunday 15 February, after reports of a yacht with engine failure drifting close to a busy shipping lane.
The all-weather lifeboat launched at 1.40pm to the vessel, reported to be approximately three miles north of Whitstable and at risk of drifting into passing commercial traffic.
On arrival, the crew located the yacht safely at anchor but unable to manoeuvre due to the mechanical fault. Following an assessment, the decision was made to take the casualty under tow to remove the immediate risk posed by its proximity to the shipping route.
A tow was established and the lifeboat escorted the yacht to Queenborough, where the vessel was met by the Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team.
The yacht was safely moored at the All Tide Landing, enabling those on board to make arrangements for repairs, before the lifeboat returned to station and was made ready for service.
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.
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