Ramsgate RNLI volunteer crew launch to a yacht with no means of propulsion.
Tuesday 16 June, Ramsgate’s Tamar Class RNLI all weather lifeboat Diamond Jubilee, was launched at the request of HM Coastguards to go to the assistance of a yacht.
The volunteer crew were paged at 3:03pm, as a ten metre yacht had raised a Mayday call due to engine and total electronic failure, meaning there was no means of navigation. The casualty was about thirty six nautical miles just north east of Ramsgate in the area of the North Falls.
A Customs Patrol Vessel was in the immediate vicinity and initially took the yacht under tow but were on assigned duties so couldn’t continue with the tow. With no other suitable vessels in the area the Diamond Jubilee took over the tow of the yacht leaving the vicinity at 4.pm33. With the sea conditions deteriorating on route to Ramsgate the volunteer crew arrived back into Ramsgate Harbour at 2137.
Coxswain Ian Cannon said; 'Even though the yacht had sails, due to the prevailing southerly light winds they were unable to make any headway. The situation was assessed and due to the yacht being a navigational hazard. The best decision was to take the yacht under tow and bring her back into the safety of Ramsgate Royal Harbour.'
Notes to Editor
Library photo of Diamond Jubilee owned by Ramsgate RNLI.
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