Peel lifeboat tows yacht to safety

Mast broke in two on passage from Northern Ireland to England

Peel lifeboat helped tow a yacht to safety after the vessel lost its mast and electrical systems while sailing from Northern Ireland to England.

The RNLI crew was called out in the early hours of Saturday morning after the yacht issued an emergency signal.

After determining that no-one onboard was injured the volunteers spent more than two hours cutting the yacht free from its mast which had broken in two places.

Given the challenging sea conditions the decision was made to tow the yacht to safety in Peel with the lifeboat back on station by 10am on Sunday - almost eight hours after being called out.

Peel RNLI Coxswain Mike Faragher said: “With considerable difficulty in 3m seas I was able to put one of our crew on the disabled vessel to begin cutting the yacht free from its mast which had broken in two places.

“Conditions were very challenging and we were grateful for the assistance of Donaghadee’s RNLI Trent class lifeboat, Macquarie, which had also been tasked by the coastguard.

“One of their crew members went aboard the casualty vessel to help clear away the debris.

“After more than two hours working in the dark, on a pitching deck, the two RNLI volunteers were able to free the yacht of its mast and stays.

“Given the vessel was in a dangerous position without any means of propulsion or communications, and its passengers were understandably distressed, it was considered necessary to tow it to safety.”

"The crew worked well as a team and worked effectively with the Donaghadee RNLI crew in testing conditions.

“This is what our constant training prepares us for.

“I am very proud of their commitment and performance during a lengthy and challenging shout.”