Picture: RNLI
Updated
The offshore lifeboat Alfred Albert Williams, based at Bembridge, has been launched this morning (Saturday March 23 2011) to a yacht in potential danger in the busy English Channel shipping lanes.
Crews at Bembridge Lifeboat Station launched the Tamar class lifeboat at 11.04am after receiving information that a 9-metre yacht called Eppe, with two persons on board, had lost the ability to manoeuvre some 25 miles south of St Catherine’s Point.
A spokeswoman for the MCA said: “It is believed that a rope has become entangled around the propeller of the yacht, cutting the vessel’s ability to use its own engine power.
“With no winds, the yacht is also unable to use it’s on board sails to safely move out of the shipping lanes.”
Danger has been added to the situation as conditions in the channel are currently foggy, meaning low visibility and the increased risk of a collision between the small yacht and the larger cargo vessels.
Crews are attempting to release the rope from around the propeller, however if unsuccessful, the yacht will be towed back to the nearest port of safety.
UPDATE @ 13:09
The Bembridge lifeboat now has the stricken yacht under tow and is bringing her back into Bembridge Harbour
Remember where you read it first - First for Island news
