PRESS RELEASE
Second Launch in 12 hours for Skegness RNLI Lifeboat
Russell Matthews, 11/6/10
The Skegness RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) All-weather Lifeboat launched for the second time in just over 12 hours this morning, when she was tasked to assist a sailing yacht 18 miles north-east of Skegness.
The lifeboat launched at 2:36am with seven volunteer crewmembers on board, and proceeded through moderate to rough seas towards the casualty, a 29ft sailing yacht on passage to Grimsby with four people on board.
After just over an hour running against heavy seas and a northerly force 6-7 wind, the lifeboat reached the casualty. The crew of the yacht were exhausted after a long day at sea and had lost engine power while trying to get to the Humber Estuary.
Second Coxswain Ray Chapman, in command of the Skegness Lifeboat said, "As we approached the yacht a head popped out of the cabin and I heard her say 'Are we glad to see you!' They were clearly a competent crew and were happy to stay aboard the yacht and rig the tow themselves - with the swell as it was I was glad not to have to transfer a crewmember to the casualty."
The lifeboat began towing the yacht towards the Humber, and Humber Lifeboat was tasked to take over the tow into Grimsby. At 4:45am the tow was transferred and Skegness Lifeboat began the journey home, with a few of the crew trying to catch an hour or two sleep.
After reaching Skegness at 6:50am, the lifeboat was recovered and washed down and the volunteer crew and shore crew headed home, or straight to work for some, just after 8am.
The launch was the second time the Skegness Lifeboat had been called out in the space of 12 hours, following a call on Thursday afternoon to two yachts off Gibralter Point.
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Skegness Lifeboat approaches the yacht, 18 miles NE of Skegness, in rough seas. (Credit: RNLI Skegness)
Skegness Lifeboat approaches the yacht, 18 miles NE of Skegness, in rough seas. (Credit: RNLI Skegness).
Humber RNLI Lifeboat approaches the yacht to take her safely into Grimsby. (Credit: RNLI Skegness)
Humber Lifeboat prepares to take over the tow to Grimsby. (Credit: RNLI Skegness)
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