Hartlepool lifeboat rescues yacht in trouble on rocks

Hartlepool RNLI assist yacht which had ran aground. Photo by Tom Collins.

The two vessels and their volunteer crews were called to assist a yacht which had one person on board.

The Hartlepool RNLI inshore and all-weather lifeboats with were launched yesterday at 7.10pm following a request from Humber Coastguard to assist the 26ft yacht which has ran aground on Longscar Rocks off Seaton Carew.

Despite the sea swell and the location of the yacht making it difficult for the RNLI volunteers on the inshore lifeboat to attach a line to recover the vessel, it was eventually rescued under tow.

It was checked for any damage to Hartlepool Marina and a Coastguard team checked the casualty.

Hartlepool RNLI Coxswain, Robbie Maiden, said: "The yacht had run aground at the highest point on Longscar Rocks and was taking a battering at times in the surf but we were able to get a line to the boat and as the tide came in we were able to tow the boat away from danger.

"We then placed two volunteer crew members on board the casualty, which had limited steering capability after its ordeal, to assist the skipper as the inshore lifeboat towed the yacht back to Hartlepool Marina and the all-weather lifeboat stood by to assist if required."

The RNLI boats returned to the Ferry Road lifeboat station at 8pm and were made ready for service by 8.30pm.