Margate RNLI rescues lone yachtsman off Thanet coast

HM Coastguard was contacted by the single occupant of a 7m long yacht around 7pm yesterday (Friday 27 June) reporting that his vessel was experiencing problems with the rudder and despite attempts at anchoring was drifting around three miles north of Margate.

The yacht was close to offshore sandbanks approaching low tide and with a fresh south-westerly breeze Margate RNLI’s B class inshore lifeboat was tasked to assist.

Once on scene, a member of the lifeboat crew was placed on board the casualty vessel where it was established the occupant was safe and well. The problem with the yacht’s steering was unable to be resolved and it was decided the safest solution was for the craft to towed to a port of refuge.

The yacht was taken in tow by the lifeboat and towed to Ramsgate harbour where it was moored safely alongside, local coastguard officers also in attendance. The lifeboat returned to station after completing the five-hour long recue operation.

Christian Wright, Launch Authority, Margate RNLI said: “Conditions were far from ideal and being close to offshore sandbanks at low tide the yachtsman, who was experienced and had previously sailed around the world took prudent action in attempting to anchor and asking for assistance.

“Talking to the coastguard at the early stages of a developing situation is important, in this case the situation was able to be resolved before darkness descended.”

Notes to editors

· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station

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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.

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