Southend-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat tasked to 7meter yacht in difficulties

On route to the reported position of the yacht in distress, the RNLI volunteer crew were updated by Dover Coastguard that there was one person onboard the vessel which had lost its outboard engine. Also, the casualty had injured their knee and was unable to effectively sail the yacht to safe water.

Southend lifeboat B-885 arrived on scene at 6.39pm, with a strong south-west wind against the flooding tide making the sea state rough. As the yacht was quickly drifting towards Southend Pier, the helm assessed the situation and the decision was made to undertake a tow as this was considered the safest way to assist the casualty. A crew member was transferred onboard the yacht to check the welfare of the casualty and establish a tow.

Volunteer RNLI helm Jonathan Charnock said: ‘This was a bit of a tricky one with a strong wind over tide making the sea choppy. The dedicated crew did a great job checking the casualty and securing a towline to the yacht in challenging conditions. Our first class RNLI training prepares the volunteers for these conditions enabling us to carry out rescues as safe as possible’.

The volunteer crew towed the casualty to Bell Wharf Leigh-on-Sea, arriving at 8.10pm where Southend Coastguard rescue team were waiting. The casualty was landed safely ashore and the yacht moored in Bell Bay, the nearest safe port. Southend RNLI lifeboat returned to station at 8.30pm to be rehoused, refuelled, and made ready for service by the volunteer crew.

When going afloat: Always wear a lifejacket. Take a means of calling for help. Always check the tide times and weather forecast. Know your limits and the limits of your vessel.

RNLI boating safety advice: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating/how-to-stay-safe-when-you-go-afloat

For further information please contact:

• Nigel Gilchrist. Lifeboat Press Officer at Southend-on-Sea RNLI [email protected] or 07765875300
• Hatti Mellor | RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Notes to Editors:

• Southend RNLI is one of the busiest coastal stations across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Southend RNLI cover approximately fifteen miles of shore from Shoeburyness to Canvey and beyond.
• For more information, please visit http://www.southendlifeboat.org/

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Key facts about the RNLI

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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

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