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Peel RNLI assist yacht in stormy conditions

Mon, 30 Sep 2019

Lifeboat crews from Peel RNLI assisted a yacht yesterday which had blown onto a concrete groyne in high winds.

Volunteers attended to two people on board a 40-ft yacht near Peel Bay via the Ruby Clery lifeboat at around 7am.

The vessel was on route to France from the Shetland Islands, but had been moored in the bay overnight due to the anchor being dragged in strong winds and was unable to run aground.

Once weather and tide conditions had improve, two lifeboat volunteers boarded the damaged yacht to assist as it was taken by the Ruby Clery into the shelter of Peel Marina.  

Peel RNLI volunteers assisted two people aboard a yacht which had been blown onto the concrete groyne in Peel Bay and was being battered by high winds and rough seas early Sunday morning. 

The Peel RNLI crew, aboard the all-weather lifeboat Ruby Clery, was responding to a 7am request from the Isle of Man Coastguard.  A 40-foot yacht, on route from the Shetland Islands to France, had been moored in the bay overnight.  Its anchor dragged in the strong winds and with the propeller fouled by lines, the visiting sailors were unable to prevent it from running aground. 

Coxswain with Peel RNLI Frankie Horne said: ‘We faced very challenging conditions with Force 6 winds from the north east and low water hampering the lifeboat’s manoeuvrability.   Once we were able to get a line on the yacht and pull it free, we towed it to the breakwater where it was safely tied up. 

‘The visiting sailors were both wearing life jackets and had done everything they could, but conditions were against them.  Although there was some damage to the yacht’s hull, both people were safe and well.

‘Our extensive training enabled the volunteer crew to work together effectively in these difficult circumstances.’

 

 

 

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