Ramsgate RNLI’s All Weather Boat launched to a 34 ft yacht with engine failure off of Thanet windfarm this morning (May 15).
Skullduggery skipper Don Rawing and his seven crew from Burnham Sailing Club were rescued by the RNLI’s Esme Anderson team when the craft took on water and lost the majority of their equipment due to electricity failure.
They had been competing in the North Sea Regatta last weekend and left Scheveningen last night bound for Burnham in Essex. Due to building winds, with high waves, and having taken on some water they were left with just a hand held radio, handheld GPS and paper charts.
They called H.M Coastguard and asked for assistance. The tides were against them and they had been blown off course and the water on board made steerage difficult.
Ramsgate RNLI went to the scene at around 10.30am and brought the craft back to harbour.
The sailors were so grateful they brought presents for the crew.
Report Karen Cox