Yarmouth’s Severn class all weather lifeboat was tasked to assist a 45ft sailing vessel with a loss of power and a potential danger to shipping last night (Friday).
The RNLI volunteer crew headed west out of the Solent on a late night search at 22:48 to locate a 45ft yacht with 3 persons onboard, whose position had been reported as approximately 25 miles south of St Catherines Point.
The vessel had reported a loss of power and had been trying to make way under sail. Having struggled for several hours to make progress in light winds against a strong spring tide, concerns were increasing about the loss of battery power for navigational lights and GPS.
Once the casualty had been located, the Coxswain assessed the situation, the 3 persons on board the yacht were safe and able to continue under sail escorted by the lifeboat.
Yarmouth RNLI remained with the vessel throughout the night as she made her way slowly north towards the Isle of Wight. The wind gradually strengthened and by dawn the yacht was able to continue safely on her way in daylight.
Yarmouth all weather lifeboat returned to harbour after 8 hours at sea and were ready for service at 07:00.
The RNLI remains an independent charity that relies on voluntary contributions to fund its lifesaving work.
