Lone Yachtsman Assisted back to Harbour

Saturday, June 06, 2009
Posted 14:34 GMT

At half past ten this morning, Humber Coastguard received a call from the Whitby Harbourmaster reporting that there was a yacht outside of the harbour having difficulties in getting in.

The harbourmaster had communicated with the skipper who had insisted that he did not want any assistance. The harbourmaster engaged the help of a local charter skipper, who went to assist the yachtsman. Unfortunately, the conditions were such that the charter boat skipper had to pull away from assisting, so as not to put his boat and crew in jeopardy.

Humber Coastguard called out the Whitby Coastguard rescue team and requested the launch of the Whitby RNLI inshore lifeboat and all weather boat to go to this mans aid.

He had been sailing for 24 hours and was obviously experiencing difficulties. The lifeboat crew arrived to place a crewman onboard to assist the man and his boat into harbour where they were met by the local coastguard.

Bev Allen, Watch Manager, Humber Coastguard said:

For the maritime visitor to Whitby Harbour there are occasions when the weather conditions are such that problems can be encountered. In the past, sailors have lost lives. We would not like to see such an occurrence of that and would strongly advise sailors who may be single handed and are experiencing difficulties to call for help, sooner rather than later.

Sailors do sometimes get caught out by the weather and we are here to help. You can call the Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 (International Distress and Calling frequency) or VHF DSC. If you see someone in trouble at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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