Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat aids stricken yacht drifting off Isle of Wight

Yarmouth was called out to nearby Hamstead Ledge, near Clamerkin Lake, Newtown, to assist a 33ft ketch with two broken masts, at 3.34pm yesterday (Friday).

The yacht, with a crew of three, had been completely disabled when the main mast had broken, bringing down with it all its sails, rigging and second mast.

With a strong westerly wind and a tide flooding the boat, it was rapidly drifting in an easterly direction.

Once on scene, two members of Yarmouth's crew went on board the yacht and recovered the rigging and made it secure, then checked the steering and engine were still in working order.

The vessel was then towed to Trinity Landing, Cowes, the nearest safe harbour.

The boat and her crew were then met by the coastguard for further support and advice.

Deputy coxswain, Peter Lemonious, said: "Despite having lost the communication of the main VHF when the mast came down, it was good the crew had an alternative means of calling for help and notifying the coastguard — by making use of their mobile phones and dialling 999."