Catamaran Sinks At Lynmouth - Seven Are Taken Off

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Posted 15:40 GMT

Swansea Coastguard picked up a faint message at just before 2.00 pm this afternoon from the yacht Ocean Blue, a 10 metre, twin engined, catamaran, which at the time was just outside Lynmouth harbour in North Devon.

The crew described that there were seven people were on board (two crew and five passengers) and that they were sinking and were needed urgent assistance. The port side of the yacht was then immersed in water.

A rescue helicopter R 169 from RAF Chivenor who was on exercise in the area was immediately diverted and shortly thereafter a report was received from the vessel to say that a nearby vessel seeing the drama unfold had launched a dinghy to take the five passengers from the vessel and landed them on the beach at Lynmouth.

Lynmouth Coastguard Rescue Team were immediately sent to the area. The Ilfracombe all weather lifeboat was also requested to attend.

Steve Jones, Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager said

The remaining two crew were airlifted off the vessel by the helicopter after the Ocean Blue began to heel to 45 degrees and became unstable sat on the salmon weir posts at the eastern side of the fairway into Lynmouth. She has now sunk in 3 metres of water.

We have informed the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and of course the harbour authority are well aware of the obstruction this will cause to the entrance of the harbour to other vessels.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401