Dungeness Lifeboat Tows Stranded Yacht To Safety

As light faded on Saturday evening, 8th May, Dungeness Lifeboat received a request from Dover Coastguard to proceed to the yacht 'Delfin' who was experiencing engine difficulties 2.5 miles east of Dungeness Point with three persons on board.

RNLI Lifeboat Pride and Spirit launched at 19.40hrs to assist the stricken vessel who was reported to have gearbox failure and was making slow progress under sail against moderate weather conditions.

At the scene, crewman Steve Cardew boarded the yacht to help drop the sails and secure a line in preparation to tow the vessel to the safe haven of Dover Harbour. Coxswain Stuart Adams said,

"Although these people were fairly prepared, they were found to be suffering from fatigue and cold." He added, "It is always advisable to ensure that sensible warm clothing is worn when putting to sea as conditions can change without warning."

The yacht was safely moored in Dover Harbour and the lifeboat returned to station, ready for service at 02.30 hrs.

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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.