Our ALB launched at 16.27hrs in response to a request from HM Coastguard to support the crew of the Lyme Regis ILB who were helping a yacht that had got into difficulties near Beer Head. The Lyme Regis crew had been on a regular training exercise when they were diverted to assist the yacht. Conditions were such that the Lyme Regis crew requested that our ALB launch and provide assistance.
The yacht had sustained damage to its sails, had an overheating engine, was being battered by 2-3m waves and was drifting closer to shore. The two lifeboat crews decided that it would be too dangerous to transfer the yacht’s crew to one of the lifeboats so the Lyme Regis crew initiated a tow to get the yacht out of immediate danger. Our crew took over the tow at 17.05 off Sidmouth.
Despite good visibility and clear conditions, the easterly winds of 18-20 knots meant that safely delivering the yacht into harbour was challenging. Our crew made the decision to tow the vessel into Brixham marina which was the safest option given the sea state. The yacht was safely delivered into Brixham and our ALB was back in Exmouth at 21.20.