RNLI launch rescue mission after yacht loses power and sail
The response of the crew has been called 'brilliant'
The RNLI team in Lyme Regis have shared their work working with the forces in Exmouth - after a yacht lost power to its engine - as well as a sail.
In a post on their social media yesterday, they were called out to the rescue on Monday (1 April) because the vessel was in danger of being washed ashore near Beer Head.
The response of the crew has been called 'brilliant'.
On Facebook, they shared: "At 3:20pm the Lyme Regis lifeboat had just put to sea for training when it was diverted by HM Coastguard to assist a 31ft sailing yacht with an overheating engine and ripped sails which was dangerously close to the shore.
"Due to the precarious position of the yacht, only 50m from the shore and being battered by 2-3m waves, the Lyme Regis crew decided against attempting to transfer the yacht’s 3 man crew and elected to tow the yacht to safety.
"Once clear of immediate danger the tow was handed over to Exmouth RNLI’s larger Shannon class all weather lifeboat which towed the yacht to safety in Brixham harbour."
Lyme Regis volunteer Helm Murray Saunders said: "This was the kind of shout which underlines the importance of regular training.
"My crew was brilliant and knew exactly what to do as the situation unfolded.
"The yacht’s crew also did the right thing by calling for help when they did.
"They were in a tricky position which would most likely have ended with their boat being wrecked on the shore.
"This shout also demonstrated great teamwork between RNLI volunteers at adjacent stations."