Yarmouth RNLI headed East up the Solent to assist a 33ft ketch with 2 broken masts yesterday afternoon (Friday).
The lifeboat’s volunteer crew made their way towards Hamstead Ledge after being tasked to launch the Severn-class All Weather Lifeboat by HM Coastguard at 15:34.
It was reported that the casualty yacht had been completely disabled as a result of the main mast breaking, bringing down with it all sails, rigging and the ketch’s second mast.
With the strong westerly wind and flooding tide, the boat, with 3 persons on board, was rapidly drifting in an easterly direction.
Once on scene, now east of Newtown Creek, 2 members of the Yarmouth RNLI volunteer crew were put on board the yacht to assess the situation. They recovered all aspects of the rigging and made it secure, then checked that the steering and engine were still in working order.
Having assessed the situation and ensured that all persons on board were safe, the coxswain made the decision to tow the vessel to Cowes as it was the nearest safe harbour.
At the entrance to Cowes Harbour, the tow was released and the yacht made her own way, under engine, escorted by Yarmouth RNLI, to Trinity Landing. The boat and her crew were then met by Needles Coastguard Rescue Team for further support and advice.
Deputy Coaswain, Peter Lemonious, comments:
“Despite having lost the communication of the main VHF when the mast came down, it was good that the crew had an alternative means of calling for help and notifying the coastguard – making using of their mobile phone and dialling 999”.
Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat returned to her berth in Yarmouth Harbour and was ready for service at 17:49.
Oh well. That must of messed up there day.Pink champagne and salmon sandwiches went out the window or overboard.
Their
Up yours
should have called a boat breakdown service oh sorry forgot RNLI don’t charge
Being dismasted is a tad more serious than that time your old Micra broke down in Morrison’s Dotty.