East Sutherland Rescue Association called out after strong winds blow yacht onto beach at Portmahomack
Sutherland’s inshore lifeboat was called out to go to the aid of a yacht that had been blown onto a beach in high winds on Sunday.
East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) was called out by HM Coastguard at 9.50am yesterday to assist the stricken 34ft yacht which was floundering at Portmahomack Beach.
The lifeboat Wildland, with four crew onboard, was launched 20 minutes later into a calm sea at Dornoch but soon encountered more difficult conditions.
ESRA spokesperson Antony Hope said: “ESRA’s progress over the Gizzen Briggs shallows was very choppy with the sea off the Port rough.”
Rescuers were in radio contact with the Coastguard team on site and the crew of the yacht.
ESRA members decided to get as close as possible and throw a tow line to the yacht, which was being pushed back onto the sandy beach by the waves and the westerly wind.
Mr Hope said: “The lifeboat was allowed to slowly drift back under power on the incoming waves. When it was less than a boat’s length from the stricken yacht, a line was successfully thrown and caught for fastening to the yacht.
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“The lifeboat, using the power of both 150hp engines and the rising tide, slowly pulled the yacht into open water about half a mile from Portmahomack.
“With confirmation from the crew that they had engine power and no damage, the tow line was slipped, and the ESRA lifeboat was stood down.”
Mr Hope continued: “ESRA was pleased that such a challenging rescue and tow from a beach in a rough sea was successful with no damage to either the yacht or the lifeboat.”
ESRA, based at the Cadogan Lifeboat Station on Dornoch Beach, is an independent lifeboat crewed by volunteers. Any money raised goes towards the repair of equipment, fuel and extreme weather clothing.
ESRA is always looking for new volunteers for the lifeboat, shore crew, and tractor drivers. No sea experience is necessary, and full training is provided.
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