UK Coastguard tracks down stricken vessel off Lowestoft, Suffolk
Dogged detective work and attention to detail by
the UK Coastguard has led to a broken down yacht being rescued.
The call came in from the stricken vessel to the
Coastguard Operations Centre at Humber at around 8.40pm today (31st July).
It had left the Netherlands but had got into
difficulty and made a 999 call.
Dave Hardy from the UK Coastguard said:
‘Unfortunately the line dropped before the caller could give us any further
information other than the length of his yacht.’
‘When he called again, he was able to tell us he
was about 14 nautical miles off Lowestoft which is still a massive area to
search. His engine and all the electronics had stopped working, he was under
sail but there was no wind and he was just drifting.
‘However, using all our skills and knowledge we
were able to work out his likely position.’
The UK Coastguard then sent two lifeboats from
Goleston and Lowestoft who were able to find the yacht and are currently
towing it back to Lowestoft.
Dave Hardy added: ‘He also told us they did not
have any distress flares on board which would have attracted other
vessels' attention to his location if used.
'This kind of incident is a reminder that whenever
you are planning to go to sea, you should be prepared just in case things go
wrong. Carry safety equipment and make sure you have a back up plan.
‘If the worst does happen and should you require
help, then call the Coastguard.’