Portsmouth RNLI assists training yacht in difficulty near Submarine Barrier

The Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched at 11:29pm following reports that a Polish sailing vessel was displaying an erratic track and was not responding to radio calls. With an unknown number of people on board and the vessel heading towards the Submarine Barrier, there were concerns for the safety of those aboard and for other harbour users.

Arriving on scene at 11:38pm, the lifeboat crew established that nine people were on board. The yacht had suffered a loss of navigation equipment and had also experienced engine problems, leaving the skipper and trainee crew struggling to maintain a safe course in heavy seas.

The vessel had repeatedly drifted across the Submarine Barrier and had already made contact with the structure. Although the engine had been restarted, the yacht continued to be affected by the conditions and remained at risk of further collision or grounding.

Recognising the immediate danger, a member of the lifeboat crew was transferred onto the yacht to provide direct navigational assistance. With guidance from the RNLI crew member, the skipper was able to regain control of the vessel and steer a safe course away from the hazard.

The lifeboat remained in close attendance and escorted the yacht safely back into Portsmouth Harbour before accompanying it to Haslar Marina, where it was secured alongside without further incident.

Rob Gargaro, volunteer helm at Portsmouth RNLI said:

'This incident had the potential to become very serious. The yacht was close to the Submarine Barrier in poor conditions, with trainee crew on board, and we also faced the challenge of a language barrier which made communication difficult.

Once our crew member was transferred onto the yacht, we were able to provide clear guidance and help the skipper regain control of the vessel. The whole crew worked calmly and professionally, and that made the difference in bringing what could have become a hazardous situation to a safe conclusion.

Once alongside at Haslar, the crew were clearly relieved and grateful to be safely back in harbour.'

The RNLI reminds all boat users of the importance of carrying suitable backup navigation methods, ensuring communications equipment is fully operational, and regularly maintaining engines and onboard systems before putting to sea

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Abi Hinton, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 488243, [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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