Byline: On Tuesday 27th Oct at 12.58 am RNLI volunteers launched both lifeboats to rescue a 7 metre yacht from the north side of Alnmouth.
Page Content:
At the
request of HM Coastguard RNLI volunteers from Amble launched both all-weather
lifeboat The Four Boys and the
inshore lifeboat The Mildred Holcroft
to rescue a yacht stranded on the beach north of Alnmouth.
The unnamed
yacht had developed engine trouble earlier on Monday and had become stranded in low
water. It was decided that the rescue
would take place later when the water levels were high enough. The Coastguard had got the owner to shore
safety prior to the rescue of the vessel.
The inshore
lifeboat arrived on scene first shortly after 1am and quickly assessed the
situation. There was a considerable sea swell and ingoing tide pushing the
vessel more towards the beach. A volunteer was quickly put on board the
stricken yacht. It was then noted that
the casualty vessel had already deployed two anchors forward and astern to help
prevent the vessel going any further up the beach.
When the
all-weather lifeboat arrived, she unfortunately could not get close enough due
to low water around the stricken vessel.
It was decided that two tow ropes would be joined together and the
inshore lifeboat would attach it to the yacht. The volunteer already on-board
the yacht secured the tow rope and released the anchors. The yacht was then
slowly towed back out to sea. Once the water was deep enough the tow rope was
shortened.
The
volunteers troubles were still not over at this point as pulling the yacht
clear of the surf meant water had entered it. Therefore it was necessary for
the salvage pump to be transferred from the all-weather lifeboat to the yacht
by the inshore lifeboat. With the water cleared the yacht was towed back to the
safety of Amble harbour where it was moored up in the marina.
Coxswain
David Bell was delighted with the outcome, he said ‘A difficult rescue and
every volunteer played their part magnificently’
Byline: On Tuesday 27th Oct at 12.58 am RNLI volunteers launched both lifeboats to rescue a 7 metre yacht from the north side of Alnmouth.
Page Content:
At the
request of HM Coastguard RNLI volunteers from Amble launched both all-weather
lifeboat The Four Boys and the
inshore lifeboat The Mildred Holcroft
to rescue a yacht stranded on the beach north of Alnmouth.
The unnamed
yacht had developed engine trouble earlier on Monday and had become stranded in low
water. It was decided that the rescue
would take place later when the water levels were high enough. The Coastguard had got the owner to shore
safety prior to the rescue of the vessel.
The inshore
lifeboat arrived on scene first shortly after 1am and quickly assessed the
situation. There was a considerable sea swell and ingoing tide pushing the
vessel more towards the beach. A volunteer was quickly put on board the
stricken yacht. It was then noted that
the casualty vessel had already deployed two anchors forward and astern to help
prevent the vessel going any further up the beach.
When the
all-weather lifeboat arrived, she unfortunately could not get close enough due
to low water around the stricken vessel.
It was decided that two tow ropes would be joined together and the
inshore lifeboat would attach it to the yacht. The volunteer already on-board
the yacht secured the tow rope and released the anchors. The yacht was then
slowly towed back out to sea. Once the water was deep enough the tow rope was
shortened.
The
volunteers troubles were still not over at this point as pulling the yacht
clear of the surf meant water had entered it. Therefore it was necessary for
the salvage pump to be transferred from the all-weather lifeboat to the yacht
by the inshore lifeboat. With the water cleared the yacht was towed back to the
safety of Amble harbour where it was moored up in the marina.
Coxswain
David Bell was delighted with the outcome, he said ‘A difficult rescue and
every volunteer played their part magnificently’