The Yarmouth RNLI All Weather Lifeboat was called to assist a lone yachtsman in difficulty in extremely rough seas off The Needles last night (Sunday).
At 23:15 the volunteer crew of Yarmouth RNLI launched to the aid of a 40ft twin-hulled motor yacht located 4 miles south west of the Needles Lighthouse.
The skipper of the vessel was struggling to navigate single-handedly in difficult conditions with waves approximately 8ft high and strong winds gusting up to 38 mph from the south west. According to reports, he had lost his glasses and was unable to read his charts.
The lifeboat reached the casualty vessel just 30 minutes after launching and escorted it back towards Yarmouth. Two crew members were then transferred aboard to motor the vessel into Yarmouth Harbour, arriving back at 00:45.
Coxswain Howard Lester commented:
“This was the bumpiest shout we’ve had for quite some time in challenging conditions for both crew and equipment and I’m pleased that everyone returned to shore safely”.
Yarmouth Lifeboat’s next demonstration with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter will take place during Yarmouth Carnival on Friday 21st August at 19:00.
