Brighton RNLI Rescues Yacht After Onboard Fire
At 7:26 PM last Thursday, Brighton RNLI volunteers sprang into action after a distress call reported a fire on a 30-foot yacht one mile southeast of Brighton Marina. The blaze was already under control, but the yacht’s engine was dead in the water.
Lone Sailor Rescued and Yacht Towed to Safety
The RNLI crew found a shaken solo sailor still aboard the vessel. After a quick assessment, they attached a tow line and hauled the yacht back to Brighton Marina, navigating through rough seas to ensure a safe return.
RNLI Praises Quick-Thinking Yacht Owner
Brian Noonan, Brighton RNLI Launch Authority, warned, “Fires at sea are incredibly dangerous. The yacht owner’s swift action to extinguish the flames likely prevented a disaster.” He stressed the need for all sailors to regularly check their fire extinguishers and stay prepared.
Volunteer helm Ben Hylands added, “We approached carefully, especially with no initial communication. Once we confirmed the fire was out, we braved challenging waves to tow the yacht back, where Marina staff and the Fire Brigade took over.”
Swift Response Key to Maritime Safety
The team called it a night at 9:14 PM, highlighting the crucial role of quick, coordinated RNLI efforts in tackling emergencies at sea.
