Rye Harbour RNLI Race to Rescue Stricken Yacht
At 6.45pm on Sunday, January 29, HM Coastguard sprang into action, calling in Rye Harbour’s RNLI crew to help a 27ft yacht in trouble off Jurys Gap. Within 13 minutes, the Atlantic 85 lifeboat was speeding downriver, ready for the rescue.
Yachtsman Ill and Engine Dead as Sea Turns Rough
The crew quickly found the yacht, whose lone skipper was feeling unwell and battling engine failure. Crew member Rob Jennings said, “Conditions were getting worse, and he was relieved to see us. I boarded to assist and set up the tow.”
Swift Tow Brings Yacht Safe to Rye Harbour
With the tow secured, the yacht — named Dutch Courage — was carefully brought back up the river. The skipper was taken to shore for warm tea and biscuits after the tense ordeal.
The fault? A broken fan belt. Timing was critical as the approaching low tide risked stranding the yacht’s keel in the river. Thankfully, the rescue was a smooth success.
Deputy Launching Authority Praises Teamwork and Training
Deputy Launching Authority Neil Jolly lauded the crew’s swift, professional response. “They’ve been training hard all winter and it showed tonight. The launch was fast, and the crew worked brilliantly as a team, saving lives at sea.”
In an emergency at sea, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or use Channel 16 on VHF.
