Hoylake and New Brighton RNLI volunteers in eight-hour rescue of drifting yacht

A passing pilot vessel had reported that the yacht was drifting close to the Queen's Channel - part of the approaches to Liverpool and Birkenhead which is a busy route for commercial shipping, ferries and other vessels.

New Brighton RNLI’s B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Charles Dibdin was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at 10.34am and arrived on scene first. The volunteer crew located the yacht and found it to be clearly uncrewed, likely having broken its moorings.

Hoylake RNLI's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood was tasked at 11.01am and rendezvoused with New Brighton RNLI several miles offshore, where the two volunteer crews assessed the situation.

The yacht was drifting aimlessly and posed a potential danger to other vessels and their crews in the area. In consultation with HM Coastguard, it was decided that in order to ensure continued safety of navigation for the channel, the best option was for Hoylake RNLI lifeboat to tow the vessel to the safety of the moorings at Tranmere.

While a towline was prepared, a New Brighton RNLI crew member boarded Hoylake Lifeboat before transferring onto the yacht in order to receive and monitor the towline.

With a swell of around three metres creating rough conditions, slow progress was made into the River Mersey. Hoylake RNLI carefully proceeded towards Tranmere, with New Brighton RNLI escorting throughout the journey.

After safely reaching Tranmere, the yacht was secured onto a mooring and the lifeboats were stood down by the Coastguard.

Following this lengthy tasking, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Matthew Pownall-Jones said:

‘This was a long and demanding shout carried out in challenging conditions, but working closely with New Brighton RNLI, we were all able to bring the yacht to safety and avoid any possible collision for other vessels. I'd like to thank all of the volunteer crew involved for their professionalism and resilience throughout the service.’

‘Incidents like this are a reminder that dedicated RNLI volunteers will launch to the rescue in all weathers whenever and wherever they are needed. Whether assisting people in danger, helping vessels in difficulty or ensuring the safety of others from hazards at sea, our lifeboat crews are committed to saving lives and keeping people safe on our coasts.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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.