Brighton RNLI volunteers called to yacht fire with baby on board

The Brighton RNLI volunteer crew was called to assist after an engine fire had started on a yacht which had a baby onboard.

The crew was paged by the Coastguard at 2.30pm yesterday (Monday, May 2) to launch and assist the French-registered yacht with two people and a baby onboard.

An RNLI spokesman said: "The sailing vessel had suffered an engine fire and had no power. The crew had managed to put the fire out before the Random Harvest arrived. The yacht, which was 3.5miles southwest of Brighton Marina, was towed back, where East Sussex Fire and Rescue were waiting to ensure all was safe."

Lifeboat operations manager Roger Cohen warned that fires onboard can escalate rapidly and people should plan for evacuations.

Roger added: “Fortunately the yacht’s owner was able to extinguish the fire with onboard extinguishers. East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service attended to confirm the fire was out.

“Please ensure you have a suitable fire extinguisher on board that has been regularly serviced and a means of calling for assistance."

The shout was the second of the weekend for the volunteer crew in Brighton, who have so far launched 22 times in 2022. SEE ALSO: Another call-out for busy Brighton RNLI volunteers as they rescue a struggling angling vessel | SussexWorld (sussexexpress.co.uk)