Dismasted yacht in distress rescued by Alderney RNLI from rough seas
On the 2 September 2025 a distress call was made to the Alderney Harbour Office from a yacht reporting that it had been dismasted and was in immediate danger.
The 20 meter yacht with eight crew onboard ran into difficulty when its 30 metre mast failed approximately three miles west of Alderney in the overfalls of the Swinge.
Alderney RNLI volunteers aboard Inner Wheel II established communication with the vessel to ensure all crew were safe and there were no injuries. Once in location, the lifeboat stood by until the sea conditions improved. This was vital to enable a safe transfer of two volunteers to the stricken yacht to assess the welfare of all on board, and attempt to clear some of the debris on deck and over the starboard side, which proved impossible.
With the mast and rigging still attached to the side of the vesse,l a decision was made to tow the vessel and a slow journey to Braye Harbour commenced. Four hours later at 12.15pm the yacht arrived safely in Alderney.
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.
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