Lifeboat called to rescue yacht near Portland

It's engine was failing as well as radio communications battery.

Author: George SharpePublished 13th Jul 2021

Weymouth Lifeboat's rescued a yacht off the coast of Portland.

Weymouth RNLI All–Weather lifeboat was launched at the request of Solent Coastguard to accesses and assist if required, reports from a 40’ yacht with engine failure which had issued a Pan Pan radio message.

A pan pan message means 'I need assistance but it is not life threatening'.

The lifeboat launched at 6.40pm on Monday 12th July to go to the last reported position of the yacht some 18 miles SW of Portland Bill.

On arrival, the lifeboat found that the yacht, which was on passage from Dartmouth to Hamble, not only had engine failure but had a battery which was failing, meaning that they would shortly be without radio communications.

Having established that the four persons on board were all fit and well, the lifeboat took the yacht in tow back to Weymouth.

Arriving at 10.45pm the yacht was moored up close to the Harbourmasters Office.

The lifeboat returned to station refuelled and made ready for the next shout.