Southend RNLI rescue yacht after May bank holiday event

The RNLI crews had just wrapped up their station open day when the call came in on Monday. 

A yacht, with three people on board, was in distress southeast of Foulness Island.

With rain and north-easterly winds of 12 to 15 mph, Southend RNLI volunteer crew arrived on scene at 5.50 pm using the casualty yacht's AIS position.

The 11-metre Belgian registered yacht had lost its rudder, the crew were unable to control the vessel and had issued a Pan Pan call to Dover Coastguard.

A lifeboat crew member boarded the stricken vessel to check on the welfare of the occupants and secure a tow line.

However, towing the yacht proved difficult due to the missing rudder, causing the vessel to zigzag uncontrollably.

In an attempt to stabilize the yacht, a drogue (sea anchor) was deployed to reduce its movement.

Unfortunately, this measure proved ineffective.

With no improvement in the situation the decision was made to request assistance from the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat at Sheerness in Kent.

The second lifeboat arrived on scene at 7.20pm taking over the tow with heavier tow rope, safely taking the disabled yacht to the all-tide landing at Queenborough, Kent.

The Southend lifeboat was stood down and returned to station at 8pm. 

Southend RNLI volunteer Helm Daniel Wanna said: ‘What started off as a 'run-of-the-mill' job for us, turned into something a little more challenging than first anticipated.

"A partial language barrier mixed with a rudderless sailing yacht meant the crew had a few extra challenges to contend with, all of which were handled perfectly, especially after an exhausting day following our offshore open day.

"Despite our best efforts, we handed the tow over to the all-weather lifeboat from Sheerness who were better placed to continue the tow into Queenborough for repair.

"It's always a pleasure working with our flank stations, especially when a positive outcome is achieved.

"Well done to all involved from both stations."