Eastbourne lifeboat launched last week (3 Oct) when a Dutch yacht with two people on board called for assistance during a thunderstorm off Sovereign Harbour
Original communications from the 10 metre yacht were confused, initially they contacted Sovereign Harbour to report they had lost all power but later this was amended to report that they had lost engine power only. The Maritime Rescue and Communication Centre (MRCC) at Dover Coastguard was also alert to the developing situation but reports from the yacht indicated they did not require assistance. Fortunately some of the volunteer lifeboat crew were also monitoring radio communications and assembled at the lifeboat station in anticipation of being required.
Amid the gathering electrical storm the casualty yacht rescinded their original statement and requested immediate assistance having lost all their navigation equipment. With the ALB crew already assembled and ready for launch they were able to quickly locate the stricken vessel some four miles offshore. The vessel was taken under tow to Sovereign Harbour.