Selsey all-weather lifeboat launched to assist Hayling crew with yacht taking on water

The UK Coastguard received an emergency call from the yacht on Friday, August 28, after its crew reported that it was taking on water.

The RNLI said Hayling’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was initially tasked by the Coastguard and attended the yacht, transferring two crew members and a pump.

However, ‘it soon became apparent the water ingress was too much for the pump and the yacht’s own pumps’, so the Hayling lifeboat helmsman requested assistance.

Selsey RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was requested and launched at 12.59pm. It made best speed to the yacht’s position, arriving on scene at 1.18pm.

An RNLI spokesperson said: “Once the ALB pump was set, the water level was reduced considerably and the skipper of the yacht managed to stem the flow.

“The water ingress was caused whilst the vessel was exiting the harbour under power, the anchor deployed and when it reached the seabed, the yacht stopped suddenly and it appeared the anchor warp hooked the propeller and pulled the shaft out.

“At 2.08pm the yacht was free from the seabed after the anchor warp was cut by the lifeboat crewmembers on board the vessel.

“A line was passed to the yacht, and a tow was established between the Selsey ALB and the yacht.

“Arrangements were made for the yacht to be lifted out of the water at Northney marina, its home port. Once inside the harbour the yacht was brought to an alongside tow for the passage up to the marina.

“At 3.13pm the marina was reached and the tow was transferred to Hayling lifeboat. Once inside the yacht was manoeuvred under the slings of the lifting crane and out of the water.

“At 3.55pm the Selsey ALB was released by the Coastguard and arrived back at Selsey at 4.27pm and was recovered straight away.”

The rescue operation ended with the yacht safely out of the water at Northney Marina, while the Selsey lifeboat returned to its station.