Wind-damaged yacht rescued by Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat crews

Published: October 25, 2009
Wind-damaged yacht rescued by Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat crews

A yacht whose sails were ripped to shreds in storm-force winds in the Bristol Channel has been rescued by Burnham-On-Sea's lifeboat crews this morning (Sunday, October 25th)

Two lifeboats were called by Coastguards to help the yacht, called Jekeeda II, after its skipper reported problems west of Stert Island.

The ketch - which was sailing from Falmouth to Penarth - was towed to the safety of Burnham Sailing Club.

Steve Jones, Watch Manager at Swansea Coastguard, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The man had been sailing from Falmouth to Penarth. He had lost all power to his yacht, had no engine power and no VHF radio and he had not slept for three days."

"The man had experienced difficulties off Hartland Point in the fog, and then between Ilfracombe and Burnham where he had lost power and radio and his sails ripped."

Swansea Coastguard had initially received a call regarding the yacht at 7.10am from a man out walking with his dog near Watchett. The man informed the Coastguard that he could see a yacht drifting out to sea, with torn sails flapping in the wind.

Swansea Coastguard made a broadcast on VHF radio to try and gain communication with the yacht and also ascertain whether there were any vessels near that could go to the yacht and assess what the situation was with anyone on board.

Swansea Coastguard called out the Watchet Coastguard rescue team who went to a location where they could keep a visual watch on the yacht.

After receiving no response from any vessels in the vicinity, and with growing concern from the Coastguard rescue team watching the yacht, it was decided to launch the lifeboats. Upon arriving they found a lone sailor who was struggling with his vessel and the weather.

The lifeboat took the yacht under tow after placing two lifeboat crew on the stricken vessel. The yacht was then towed to Burnham Yacht club.

Burnham Coastguard Station Officer Steve Bird told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The sailor is very experienced and simply got unlucky. The high winds in the Bristol Channel ripped his main sail and left him drifting in the channel."

The yacht's owner, Doug Pingel, from Newport, who has been living on the vessel for about a month, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I was surprised to see the RNLI because I had not called for help, however the help was received gratefully."

Lifeboat Helmsman Glenn Cutter added: "We were glad to be in a position to offer help, because conditions were rough and he was obviously tired. This proves that these things can happen to even the most experienced and well equipped sailors."