Stormy Seas as Yarmouth Lifeboat Launches in Gale Force Winds
Yarmouth’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer), was scrambled by HM Coastguard on Sunday 20 February 2022 at 7.23pm. A “Pan Pan” distress call came from near Chale Bay, prompting a high-stakes night mission in fierce conditions.
High Winds and Rough Tides Challenge Lifeboat Crew
The volunteer crew battled an outgoing tide and winds gusting over 66 knots as they sped west from Yarmouth harbour toward the Needles. Near St Catherine’s Point, they linked up with Bembridge RNLI’s Tamar class lifeboat and Ventnor Coastguard for a full-scale search operation.
No Trace Found Amid Deteriorating Conditions
The combined search covered sea and land but found no sign of any casualties. With visibility plunging and waves growing treacherous, the teams prudently scaled back the search. Both crews conducted a final sweep on their way back to base.
“We urge everyone to check weather forecasts carefully and heed warnings,” said Lifeboat Coxswain Howard Lester. “Stay safe around the coast.”
Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat returned to harbour by 10.50pm, ready for the next emergency. As always, the RNLI depends on voluntary donations to keep these life-saving missions running.
