Craster lifeboat tasked to yacht taking on water
On 6 September 2021 at 5:23pm Craster volunteer RNLI crew were paged to launch by UK Coastguard on service to assist a 30 foot yacht with a position of 15 minuets off Craster.
The lifeboat was launched and made best speed south east from Craster. A description of the vessel was given by Humber Coastguard and radio contact was made, quickly locating the yacht in calm conditions with two people on board.
The volunteer crew assessed the situation, with the yacht's own bilge pump coping with the incoming water, best efforts were made to free the yacht from the lobster pots but in the end the rope had be cut free.
The water stopped as the pressure of the rope was released from around the keel, rudder and propeller.
The lobster pots position was marked and a fender tied to the end of the fleet of pots so the local fishing boat from Craster can retrieve the pots.
After assessing the situation again, it was decided that the safest option was to take the 30 foot yacht under tow.
The RNLI's flank station at Amble launched the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and headed north meeting Craster lifeboat east of Boulmer.
Amble lifeboat headed south with the yacht back to Amble.
Craster lifeboat James Ballard was then prepared for service following the Covid 19 RNLI guidance.
The RNLI advises that In an emergency at sea, or on the coast or, if someone is in difficulty, to call the Coastguard by dialling 999 or 112 on a mobile phone.
RNLI Picture credits
Craster RNLI/Andy Cowan.
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For more information please contact RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Andy Cowan: [email protected]
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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.
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