Yacht stuck in strong ebb tide off Peveril Point rescued by RNLI

A 36 foot yacht that became entangled in the rope of a lobster pot marker buoy was safely freed after several attempts by the Swanage lifeboat crew.

The Swanage all weather lifeboat launched just after 7 pm on Thursday 11th July 2024 heading round Swanage Bay towards the Peveril Ledges, where the vessel was stuck fast in the strong ebb tide.

Advertisement 
Swanage lifeboat rescues stuck yacht
Swanage RNLI webcam

The Swanage all weather lifeboat (right) passes in front of Old Harry rocks following the yacht (far centre) back into the bay

Jammed rudder

The Shannon class lifeboat was soon alongside the 10 tonne steel hulled yacht and an initial assessment indicated that the rope from the buoy was wrapped around the rudder causing it to jam.

A lifeboat crew member was put aboard to see what could be done to get the boat free.

The towline was passed across and the yacht pulled gently backwards into the tide to see if the pressure could be taken off the rope allowing it to be cut or pulled free.

Swanage lifeboat rescues stuck yacht
Swanage RNLI webcam

The Swanage lifeboat returns to the boathouse just after 8 pm

“Line came free”

Swanage Lifeboat Station reported:

“After a few failed attempts the towline was dropped and the crew decided to use the grapnel to try and get hold of the buoy line and then cut it.

“After a couple of attempts the line was hooked and pulled back towards the lifeboat. In doing so the line came free from the yacht allowing them to drift away into clear water.”

Swanage lifeboat rescues stuck yacht
Swanage RNLI webcam

The lifeboat gets washed down ready for its next shout

Yacht escorted into Swanage Bay

The lifeboat crew recovered their gear while the yacht’s skipper checked that his engine and steering were functioning correctly and that no water had made its way into the boat.

With the skipper happy that all was now fine, the yacht was escorted to a mooring in Swanage Bay and the lifeboat volunteers made their way back to the lifeboat station.

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

New BBC Winterwatch puts Purbeck back in TV spotlight In what is likely to be a final visit, BBC cameras will be returning to RSPB Arne in Dorset for the TV programme Winterwatch, to once again highlight the amazing ... 1 month ago Ten year transport plan puts Purbeck at top of wish list 4 weeks ago Purbeck pub Rivo’s Hub opens its doors as it revs up for 2025 1 month ago Swanage woman charged with shoplifting at the Co-op 2 weeks ago Swanage care home reopens after death of three residents 4 weeks ago

Most recent

Historical novel by Purbeck writer inspired by freedom fighter aunt Purbeck writer Greg Duncan drew from his family tree when he wrote his first historical novel - for his aunt had been a freedom fighter in France during World War ... 15 hours ago It’s most unusual – Sir Tom Jones will finally headline Lulworth festival 2 days ago Desert sand to be strewn on Lawrence of Arabia’s Purbeck grave 3 days ago Swanage town mayor holds Golden Charity Ball 4 days ago Appeal to buy defibs in memory of Wareham boy Shaun 5 days ago