Portsmouth Harbour Entrance Blocked as 60ft Yacht Runs Aground
Chaos at Portsmouth Harbour this morning as a 60ft yacht grounded after engine failure, forcing a temporary closure of the busy harbour entrance.
Stranded Yacht Triggers Harbour Lockdown
At 10:07am on Wednesday 22 November, the RNLI Portsmouth Lifeboat was scrambled to help a Clipper yacht stuck fast near Victoria Pier at Hotwalls. The yacht’s engine gave out while approaching harbour, and strong winds and tide pushed it ashore, leaving it stranded just metres from the pier.
Life on Board and Rough Seas Add to Drama
With crew still onboard and conditions rough, the Atlantic 85 Lifeboat Norma T raced to the scene in 12 minutes flat. They were soon joined by the MOD Police Launch Sir Geoffrey Rackham and two commercial vessels already trying to tow the yacht free.
Heavyweights Drag Yacht to Safety
- Windfarm support vessel The Sure Pilgrim reversed carefully against wind and tide, dragging the yacht off the shore into open water.
- RNLI crews and MOD Police launched inspections for damage.
- Commercial tug Gaurdsman secured the yacht to maintain control.
- Bembridge RNLI arrived to take over recovery and tow the yacht safely back to Gosport Marina.
This quick multi-agency rescue highlights the hazards faced by vessels entering Portsmouth Harbour during bad weather and mechanical trouble.
