Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85, Ralph, launched to yacht without power
Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85, Ralph, launched to yacht without power
Lifeboats News Release
At 8.06pm on Sunday 22 June, Aldeburgh lifeboat station was tasked by the coastguard to a lone sailor on a 27ft yacht who had lost power and was struggling in large waves.
RNLI/Susie Potter
Aldeburgh RNLI launch their Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Ralph. By Susie Potter
The crew were paged at 8.08pm and the Atlantic 85, Ralph, was launched at 8.26pm. Conditions were good with clear visibility. The volunteer lifeboat crew reached the yacht, approximately two miles off the coast at Orford at 8.45pm.
The yacht engine had overheated and lost power, so the lifeboat helm decided the safest course of action was to establish a tow to take the boat to the nearest point of safety, Orford harbour.
They arrived at Orford harbour and the yacht was safely on a mooring by 11.20pm.
The Aldeburgh Atlantic 85, Ralph, was stood down at 11.20pm. The Aldeburgh lifeboat returned to station was washed down, refuelled and returned to service at 1.20am.
If you are heading to a beach, or river, over the summer – stay safe. Invest in a waterproof pouch to keep your mobile phone safe. Ensure your phone is fully charged and wear it on your person, so it is within easy reach.
If you are visiting an unfamiliar area, download the What3Words app – it can help provide directions to emergency services. If you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Once you have provided the appropriate information, stay at a safe distance and do not enter the water. Encourage them to float on their back. Look for anything you can throw to help them float (eg a life-ring). Keep watch until help arrives.
Notes to Editors
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has been operating since 1826 and has been part of the RNLI since 1852. Since formation, their lifeboats have launched 1,267 times and saved 693 lives.
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has two boats on service: B-class Atlantic 85, Ralph, and D class inshore lifeboat, Susan Scott.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Jo Litt, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected]
RNLI/Susie Potter
Aldeburgh RNLI launch their Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Ralph. By Susie Potter
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
