Brave Lifeboats Team Up to Rescue Drifting Yacht in Solent
RNLI Lifeboats Launch in Wind and Tide Chaos
At 5.30pm on Friday, the RNLB Alfred Albert Williams (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) was scrambled by the UK (Solent) Coastguard. The mission? Assist Portsmouth RNLI’s Atlantic 85, Norma T, with a 40-foot yacht that had broken free and was drifting dangerously out of Langstone Harbour in wild, turbulent winds and tidal currents.
Double Lifeboat Teamwork Saves the Day
The two lifeboats met just a cable NW of the Langstone Fairway marker at around 5.45pm. A crew member from the Norma T boarded the drifting yacht and secured a tow back towards safer waters.
Smooth Finish After Rough Start
After battling the rough conditions, the yacht was brought back into Langstone Harbour. The tow was then handed back to the Norma T, which berthed the vessel safely on the Hayling Ferry pontoon. Meanwhile, the Alfred Albert Williams returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 7.30pm the same evening.
