Table of Contents
Volunteer lifeboat crews spent eight hours battling challenging sea conditions to rescue an unmanned yacht that had drifted very close to one of the Mersey's busiest shipping routes.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the empty boat had somehow broken free from its moorings and was drifting towards the Queen's Channel. This is the main waterway approach to Liverpool and Birkenhead used by commercial ships, ferries and other vessels.
The boat was spotted by a passing pilot vessel on September 12.
New Brighton RNLI's B-class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Charles Dibdin launched shortly after 10:30 am and found the yacht "clearly uncrewed".
Hoylake RNLI's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood was tasked at 11 am and met New Brighton's crew several miles offshore.
An RNLI spokesman said of the incident: "The yacht was drifting aimlessly and posed a potential danger to other vessels and their crews in the area. In consultation with HM Coastguard, it was decided that in order to ensure continued safety of navigation for the channel, the best option was for Hoylake RNLI lifeboat to tow the vessel to the safety of the moorings at Tranmere."
A New Brighton RNLI crew member hopped aboard the Hoylake lifeboat before boarding the yacht to get and monitor the towline. Swells of around three metres created rough conditions for both crews, but they bravely and slowly made their way into the Mersey, with New Brighton's lifeboat team helpfully escorting them throughout.
The boat safely reached Tranmere and was secured onto a mooring there. Both lifeboats then stood out, as instructed by the Coastguard.
Hoylake RNLI coxswain Matthew Pownall-Jones said of the rescue: "This was a long and demanding shout carried out in challenging conditions, but working closely with New Brighton RNLI, we were all able to bring the yacht to safety and avoid any possible collision for other vessels. I'd like to thank all of the volunteer crew involved for their professionalism and resilience throughout the service.
"Incidents like this are a reminder that dedicated RNLI volunteers will launch to the rescue in all weathers whenever and wherever they are needed. Whether assisting people in danger, helping vessels in difficulty or ensuring the safety of others from hazards at sea, our lifeboat crews are committed to saving lives and keeping people safe on our coasts."
