Brighton RNLI launch to help yacht following onboard fire

The volunteer crew was paged at 7.26pm on Thursday to the 30ft yacht one mile southeast of Brighton Marina.

The fire had been brought under control, but the engine would not start.

A lone man was found aboard and in a somewhat shell-shocked state. Assistance and assessment had been delivered by the onboard crew member. The towing line was attached and following a safe tow back to Brighton Marina the casualty vessel was tied off at the visitors pontoon where it was handed over to Marina staff and the Fire Brigade.

Brighton RNLI Launch Authority Brian Noonan said: ‘Fires at sea can rapidly escalate. Fortunately, the yacht owner was able to extinguish. Always be prepared and ensure your fire extinguisher is regularly checked.’

RNLI volunteer and helm Ben Hylands added: ‘Upon locating the vessel we were unable to make radio communication so assessed the scene with search lights before approaching cautiously alongside and making verbal contact.
‘We confirmed that the fire had been resolved and once we had passed the tow line made off and between considerable waves we made best speed to Brighton Marina where we berthed them safely to be met by the Fire Service.’

The crew stood down at 9.14pm.

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 142,700 lives.

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