RNLI Rescue de-masted yacht

- Fri 18th Aug 2006

Local Coastguards and Lifeboats were in action today following a Mayday call from the yacht Enshaiallah, south of Selsey Bill with 2 persons on board.

Solent Coastguard picked up the Mayday early this afternoon, and tasked the Selsey All Weather Tyne-Class Lifeboat to the casualty with all speed. Arriving at the scene, the Lifeboat found the 38 foot sloop-rigged yacht had been completely dismasted.

Winds at this time were south westerly and gusting to 30 knots, and the seas formed steep breaking crests. It was immediately apparent that the yacht was in danger of being completely swamped.
The lifeboat crew quickly secured the boat, and towed it to Sparkes Marina - which took around 2 hours through the heavy seas.

Arriving in Chichester Harbour, the mast was strapped as best possible to the side of the damaged yacht - and then the Lifeboat rafted the stricken vessel into the Marina and onto a waiting pontoon.

By forum user, Mat