Walton and Frinton RNLI in multi-agency call to skipper who had fallen overboard

This was the start of an 11 hour call out for the volunteer crew.

Harwich lifeboat had also been requested to assist along with Rescue Coastguard helicopters also proceeding to the scene. Launching into freshening northerly winds, the volunteers made best possible speed to the last known position provided by the yacht's crew.

While proceeding to the search location, news was shared that the skipper had been located by rescue aircraft and the rescue helicopter had successfully recovered the person, transferring them to the nearest hospital for further care.

Attention now turned to the yacht who had two crew left onboard who were struggling to regain control of the yacht due to sail damage and steering issues.

After discussions between the yacht's crew and the Coastguard it was requested that Walton lifeboat, the closest lifeboat to the scene, continued to the yacht's position to assist.

Harwich lifeboat was released allowing them to return to station at this point.

Upon arrival, after the yacht's crew had tried to resolve the foresail issues, a crew member was transferred to the yacht in challenging conditions. Successfully securing the damaged foresail and ensuring the rest of the yacht was secured, the decision was taken the attach a tow to bring her crew to safety given their experience and issues.

Following a six hour tow, Walton and Frinton lifeboat safely secured the yacht and her crew alongside at Shotley Marina where contact was made with the local hospital to allow the condition of the skipper to be shared.

At this time, Dover Coastguard had released the lifeboat and her crew allowing them to refuel and return to station. The arduous rescue mission, which began when the pagers activated, concluded after an exhaustive 11 hour operation.

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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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