The all-weather RNLI lifeboat Leonard Kent from Newcastle was launched early on Saturday to aid a 29-foot yacht with four people on board, approximately 20 miles southeast of Newcastle. The yacht had suffered a dismasting, prompting an urgent response from the Newcastle RNLI volunteer crew.
In favourable weather conditions with a slight to moderate sea state, the lifeboat quickly reached the distressed yacht and assessed the situation. With the mast damage impeding the yacht’s ability to proceed safely, the decision was made to tow the vessel to safety.
The Portaferry RNLI also joined the rescue effort by launching their B Class Atlantic lifeboat to assist with the tow into Ardglass.