The crew of a yacht between Durlston and St Alban’s Head, had to radio for assistance as the wind dropped and the vessel failed to make any progress against the tide.
The Swanage all weather lifeboat launched at 11.22 am on Saturday 22nd May 2022 to help the yacht that was struggling to make way in the light winds and was dangerously drifting towards the cliffs.
Durlston Bay between Peveril Point and Durlston Head (seen in the distance)
No fuel for the engine
The yacht skipper also explained to the coastguard that they hadn’t any fuel, so they couldn’t rely on their engine.
However, by the time the all weather lifeboat rounded Peveril Point, the yacht had made its way into Durlston Bay.
With the wind picking up, it had been able to set sail and make better progress.
“The skipper confirmed he was happy to continue on route”
Swanage Lifeboat Station reported:
“With the yacht identified and now entering open water, with intentions to head to the Solent, the skipper confirmed he was happy to continue on route, if they could arrange a plan to take on some fuel.
“The lifeboat informed the skipper of the services of Sea Start, and contact was established to arrange assistance.”
The Swanage Lifeboat crew
Marine breakdown assistance
Sea Start provides marine breakdown assistance and can be called out to help a boat that needs fixing or has run out of fuel.
Once the yacht was safely underway and with the fuel delivery arranged, the lifeboat then returned to Swanage Lifeboat Station.
