Yarmouth RNLI went to the aid of a 30ft Dutch yacht whose rudder had broken just West of the notorious Shingles Bank off The Needles yesterday (Wednesday).
Solent Coastguard requested the launch of Yarmouth’s all weather lifeboat (ALB) at just gone 15:00 after the yacht ‘Willeke’ reported being in difficulty.
The wind was gusting near gale force making the task of establishing a tow very difficult for both the lifeboat and the yacht in such violent conditions in an area known for its dangerous seas.
The casualty vessel was so close to the Shingle bank that it was able to try to anchor before Yarmouth Lifeboat arrived. Although the anchor was holding, the yacht was rotating around its anchor in the violent seas, making the lifeboat’s approach dangerous.
The yacht’s crew were asked to cut the anchor, which made her more approachable, and the lifeboat was able to secure a temporary tow from her bow to pull the yacht clear of the shallows.
Once in calmer waters, the volunteer crew of Yarmouth RNLI were able to establish a safer tow back to Yarmouth Harbour, where they arrived at 17:50.
