By Isle of Wight Observer
Yarmouth RNLI’s newly-qualified Launch Authority, Kevin Taylor was thrown in at the deep end on Saturday with the volunteers takes to three shouts in a few hours.
Just after 2pm, the crew were called-out to assist an ocean rowing boat in distress off Brook Beach. On arrival, the boat was already being towed by a nearby day boat. During rescue operations, the rowing boat capsized, putting all three crew in the water. Freshwater Independent Lifeboat who were also on scene, swiftly recovered the casualties, who were then safely transferred ashore at Freshwater Bay.
While still on scene, the vessel towing the rowing boat reported a loss of steering. Due to the risks involved both locational and the condition of the vessel, Yarmouth established a tow and safely returned the vessel to Yarmouth Harbour.
Whilst en-route back to the harbour, another call came in from Alum Bay where a 30ft sailing yacht had fouled its anchor. After delivering the day boat safely ashore, the crew returned to assist. Two volunteers boarded the yacht, freed the anchor, and the lifeboat escorted the vessel back towards Yarmouth.
Kevin said: “It’s been great getting involved again after having my knee operated on. I was previously enrolled as seagoing crew, so was already aware of aspects of what was required within the launch authority role, but all the training I received from the RNLI really helped with understanding the further administration of it all. It was a pretty thrilling first day!”
Mal Butler