Lone yachtsman found drifting and lost is rescued by Dungeness RNLI lifeboat

The local safety range boat on patrol off Lydd Ranges found a lone yachtsman drifting in a 28' yacht with engine failure, damaged mast and unclear where he was.

The Dungeness RNLI lifeboat was called to his position, one mile south of the lifeboat station to access the situation. It was discovered that the casualty was on passage from Poole to Newhaven but had got completely lost. Coxswain Stuart Adams said 'I decided the safest option was to tow the casualty to a safe haven in Dover Harbour. The RNLI tries to encourage yachtmen to have free sea safety checks on their vessels before leaving on passage and to make sure a passage plan is in place with the coastguard. This person was very lucky that the weather was fine and that he was seen by the local range boat patrolling off Lydd'

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Judith Richardson, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07925 576569 or 01797 320062 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.
A charity registered in England and Wales No: 209603

 Websites:
www.dungenesslifeboat.org.uk
www.rnli.org.uk