Yacht Rescue Drama at Camber Sands
Rye Harbour was the scene of a daring rescue on the evening of Thursday, July 13. A stranded yacht, left powerless and drifting dangerously close to shore, was saved thanks to a rapid response from RNLI Rye Harbour and Pett Level Rescue Boat. The emergency call came in at 8:24 pm, sparking swift action.
Power Cut Strands Yacht After Tide Floats It Free
Luke Bishop, helm at RNLI Rye Harbour, recalled the tense rescue: “At 8:35 pm, our lifeboat launched to assist a yacht grounded on Camber Sands all day. Though the evening tide refloated it, the yacht lost power and began drifting towards the shore.”
Teamwork Saves the Day
With the situation critical, Pett Level Rescue Boat—already on the water for training—rushed to help. They boarded the yacht and took it in tow. An RNLI crew member joined them, and using the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, they towed the yacht safely back to Rye Harbour.
Skipper Rescued After 24 Hours Stranded
The yacht’s solo skipper endured nearly 24 hours stranded on Camber Sands. Cold and exhausted, he was welcomed ashore by the lifeboat crew who provided warmth, hot drinks, and care.
A Pett Level Rescue Boat spokesperson praised the joint effort: “At about 8:30 pm, Solent Coastguard tasked us with attending the stranded yacht. Luckily, we were already nearby for training and diverted immediately. Our crew expertly navigated the shallow surf, handed over the tow to RNLI Rye Harbour, who then took the yacht safely upriver to mooring.”
