Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI rescue yacht with engine failure
On 24 May 2025 at 9.23am, HM Coastguard requested the launch of the Berwick-upon-Tweed Atlantic 85 lifeboat, to go to the aid of a 27ft yacht within the Berwick- upon-Tweed bay which had suffered engine failure with four people on board.
The yacht had been on a passage from Holy Island on it’s way north to Granton which is in Leith Edinburgh.
Conditions on themorning were fair with a south westerly force 4 wind with moderate sea state, with a slight swell.
With Michael Percy as Helmsman, and Crew Adam Bettison, Ryan Dalryple, and Mally Barnett, they were able to make good communication with the skipper of the yacht.
On arrival at the scene, a risk assessment taken of the situation, it was deemed, due to deterioration of the weather forecast for later on in the day, that it would be safer to tow the vessel into Berwick-upon-Tweed Harbour to enable repairs to the yacht to take place.
Helmsman Michael Percy said: 'Sometimes things can go wrong unexpectedly, so being prepared for all eventualities and having reliable means of communication is important should help be required.
'Thankfully, the crew had the means to raise a call for assistance and had already changed course and headed for a safe haven along with deploying an a suitable anchor.'
After the vessel was safely tied up in the harbour, the crew returned to the lifeboat station where the life boat was washed down and made ready for service.
The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Hazel Bettison, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: hazel_bettison@rnli.org.uk
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.