Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat launched late last night (Sunday) to assist a 31ft sailing vessel in difficulty to the west of Yarmouth Harbour.
Solent Coastguard tasked the Severn-class lifeboat at 22:27 and it wasn’t long before the casualty vessel was located by the volunteer lifeboat crew just off Norton.
The single handed sailor had lost the use of the tiller, causing the steering to fail. He was getting close to the rocks on the shore.
The lifeboat crew established an alongside tow to escort the disabled yacht to the safety of Yarmouth harbour, where she was met by The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team.
As well as helping to secure the boat on the mooring, Coastguard officers provided safety advice to the skipper.
The incident concluded at midnight.
Always there to help. Respect to the crew out in all weather night or day, a vocation to save others in difficult circumstances even now with covid 19 they are helping people in distress. They are risking their lives, they too have families. They volunteer, I hope that when we can pop a coin into their charity box we all do. Stay safe
2 words come to mind! Emergency Tiller.
Doesn’t the lock down rules apply to sailors then. You are allowed out but must be home at night time.