Littlehampton RNLI rescue drifting yacht

Volunteers were paged to the incident at 4.07pm and, in response, launched Renee Sherman, the station's B-class lifeboat.

They headed east out of the harbour entrance and quickly encountered the 34-foot-yacht a mile or so offshore. It was unable to make headway due to engine failure.

A member of the lifeboat crew boarded the stranded vessel and made the sure the three people and the dog onboard were safe.

By this time, the tidal stream was carrying the yacht west and there was a growing chance that it might beach, endangering everyone onboard.

The vessel was also at risk of creating a hazard for other marine traffic, especially in the fading light.

As a result, the lifeboat crew decided to tow the vessel back to Littlehampton harbour, where it could be safely moored.

The vessel was transferred to public moorings at 5.50pm and the Renee Sherman returned, with her crew, to the boathouse.

"Although the sea conditions were smooth with a light north easterly breeze the failure of the yacht’s engine limited the vessel’s ability to safely navigate," said Michael Kelly, Deputy Launch Authority for this incident.

"With a falling tide there was a possible risk of the vessel grounding at some point and becoming a hazard to other shipping as dusk approached. The casualty vessel was able to alert the Coastguard of their difficulties using a mobile phone, by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard, and our volunteer crews were then able to assist. When setting sail at sea it is important to have a good understanding of your vessel’s capabilities in different conditions, your crew’s skills and limitations and a means of calling for assistance if in difficulty."