Swanage lifeboat launches to solo sailor who lost engine power close to rocks.
Swanage lifeboat was launched to assist a sailor whose engine had failed close to St Albans Head and conditions meant single-handed sailing could have worsened the situation.
The lifeboat manoeuvred close enough to the yacht to place a crew on board and a towline as quickly attached. The forecast for several days to come was for continuing easterly winds, so the lifeboat and its tow headed for the shelter of Poole Harbour.
A mooring off Brownsea Island was arranged for the casualty and the yacht was secured. The owner planned to stay on board overnight and arrange for engineers to help diagnose the engine problem the following day.
The lifeboat then returned to Swanage to be re-housed, washed down and re-fuelled.
ALB Crew: (Coxn) Dave Turnbull, Steve Williams, Andy Redout, Ben Jarvis, Sam Aggas, Neil Brooks
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Nigel Bower, (Winchman) Julian Vass, Gavin Steeden, Emily Condie, Emily Condie, Archie Burgess
For more information please contact:
Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Charmaine Tideswell, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Regional Media Manager Hatti Mellor, [email protected]
RNLI press office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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 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 146,000 lives.
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