Dungeness RNLI assists yacht with no propulsion in the shipping lane

The yacht was in the middle of the south west shipping lane and in a precarious position with no means of propulsion due to a large rope being stuck in the propeller and very little wind to be able to use the sail effectively.

The lifeboat launched at 12.20am and proceeded to the location of the yacht and arrived on scene at 1am. The crew checked the welfare of all eight people on board where it was established no medical assistance was required.

After assessing the vessel and considering the dangers of the shipping lanes, it was decided that a tow was required to bring the casualty vessel to the nearest safe haven in Dover Harbour.

Dungeness lifeboat then initiated a tow and began to tow the yacht to Dover where they arrived at 4.30am and moored the yacht in the safety of the marina.

Dungeness lifeboat was then stood down by HM Coastguard and returned to station, arriving back at Dungeness just before 6.00am.

Coxswain, Mark Richardson, said: ‘We are glad we could help the people on the yacht last night and wish them the best of luck on their onward journey. They did the right thing in calling the Coastguard for help.

'The shipping lanes in the English Channel are very dangerous, particularly in darkness with no means of propulsion to move clear of large ships. If you are ever in trouble on the water, call the Coastguard using VHF channel 16 or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

If you are interested in volunteering for Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat Station, we have a number or roles available both afloat and shore based. Please contact the station on 01797 320317 or [email protected] if you would like to take on a new challenge and become part of the charity that saves lives at sea.

Notes to Editors

· Dungeness lifeboat station has been running since 1826.

· The station received the first Shannon-class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet – The Morrell

· The station is famous for its Lady Launchers, local women and wives of the crew who helped launch the lifeboat until 1977.

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sarah Beck, Dungeness Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07956 615429, Hatti Mellor, Regional Media Officer on 07724801305 or [email protected] or alternatively, Regional Media Manager Julie Rainey on 07827 358256 or [email protected]. RNLI Press Office is available 24/7 365 days a year on 01202 336789.

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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.