Coastguards appealed to yachtsmen to take more heed of weather forecasts after three yachts were towed into harbour by RNLI lifeboats following three different incidents in bad weather in the English Channel between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
Selsey Lifeboat towed the 30 ft sailing yacht Bacchus with two crew on board. They had requested assistance south of the Isle of Wight after suffering intermittent loss of engine power and were unable to sail in the severe weather conditions.
Bembridge lifeboat towed the 36 ft sailing yacht Firebird with four crew on board into Portsmouth after she had requested assistance some 10 miles south of Dunnose, Isle of Wight. The vessel was unable to make headway in the severe weather and the crew were suffering severe sea sickness on passage from France.
The yacht Playing Around had sustained steering problems and called the Coastguard when they were 15 miles south of the Needles. Due to the gale force Northeasterly wind the yacht drifted into Portland Coastguard's area of responsibility. Portland Coastguard requested the launch of the Weymouth lifeboat which towed the yacht into Weymouth.
“The weather conditions were well forecasted yet these yachts still chose to set sail. Anyone not heeding the weather forecasts is putting at risk their safety and the lives of the crew of the lifeboats who invariably have to go to their assistance,” said the Coastguard statement.
“All vessels should check the weather conditions for the duration of their intended voyage and if there is any doubt at all, should not put to sea. Always err on the side of safety and wait for more favourable conditions, even if it is somewhat inconvenient.”
