Southend-on-Sea RNLI assists yacht in distress after May bank holiday open day
Paged at 5:15 pm, Southend volunteer lifeboat crew sprang into action minutes after finishing their offshore station open day on Monday 6 May, to assist a yacht in distress near the Blacktail spit 4.5 miles southeast of Foulness Island. The crew launched the charity's Atlantic 85.
With rain and north-easterly winds of 12 to 15 mph, Southend RNLI volunteer crew arrived on scene at 5:50 pm using the casualty yacht's AIS position. An 11-metre Belgian registered yacht with three people on board had lost its rudder, the crew were unable to control the vessel and had issued a Pan Pan call to Dover Coastguard.
A volunteer crew member boarded the stricken vessel to check on the welfare of the occupants and secure a tow line. However, towing the yacht proved difficult due to the missing rudder, causing the vessel to zigzag uncontrollably.
In an attempt to stabilize the yacht, a drogue (sea anchor) was deployed to reduce its movement. Unfortunately, this measure proved ineffective. With no improvement in the situation and the tow snatching hard on the tow rope threatening to snap the line, the decision was made to request assistance from the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat RNLI 13-38 Judith Copping Joyce stationed at Southend-on-Sea’s flank station Sheerness RNLI.
Sheerness RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene at 7:20 pm taking over the tow with heavier tow rope, safely taking the disabled yacht to the all-tide landing at Queenborough, Kent. Southend lifeboat B-885 Julia and Angus Wright stood down and returned to station at 8:00 pm. RNLI 13-38 Judith Copping Joyce arrived with the casualty yacht at the all-tide landing at 9.15pm.
Southend RNLI volunteer Helm Daniel Wanna said: ‘What started off as a 'run-of-the-mill' job for us, turned into something a little more challenging than first anticipated. A partial language barrier mixed with a rudderless sailing yacht meant the crew had a few extra challenges to contend with, all of which were handled perfectly, especially after an exhausting day following our Offshore Open Day. Despite our best efforts, we handed the tow over to the all-weather lifeboat from Sheerness who were better placed to continue the tow into Queenborough for repair. It's always a pleasure working with our flank stations, especially when a positive outcome is achieved. Well done to all involved (from both stations).’
This incident highlights the dedication and swift response of the volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews, who are always prepared to assist those in need at sea, even after a very busy day at their station open day.
Notes to editors
- Southend-on-Sea lifeboat station has been operating since 1879. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://southendlifeboat.org/
- Southend-on-Sea RNLI Atlantic 85 Julia and Angus Wright is stationed at the end of Southend pier, launched by davit.
RNLI media contacts
- For more information please contact: Nigel Gilchrist, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Southend-on-Sea RNLI, 07765875300 or [email protected],
- Hatti Mellor | RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead - South East, on 07827 358 256 or email [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.