Called Too Late

[ChrisB]

Did not get the lads out early enough

 

http://www.rnlihappisburgh.org.uk/news/crew-called-to-distressed-yacht-run-aground-near-station/

[johnb]

Once again well done for the willingness of crews to be ready and available to help. It sounds as though a good job was completed.

[ChrisB]

What of course this unfortunate incident throws up is that it is imperative to have proper ground tackle of sufficient weight when cruising close in to the coast. Had a good anchor and chain been deployed as soon as the engine did not fire the unfortunate fellow would have bought time to assess his predicament and put in timely VHF Ch16. All the more unfortunate being just a stones throw from the lifeboat slipway.

I wonder how many Broads boats nip out of Yarmouth and in again at Lowestoft with only a mud weight on three strand or a grapnel attached to the weight which would be absolutely useless on hard sand? 

Being able to hold station and not drift is paramount for the safety of both crew and vessel and could save you having to re-arm your life jackets or liferaft or watch your boat founder.