Barrow RNLI helps free grounded yacht in Walney Channel
Barrow RNLI volunteers launched their inshore lifeboat after a 46-foot yacht ran aground in Walney Channel.
The vessel became stuck near East Scar, to the south-east of Piel Island, on Monday, July 6.
HM Coastguard in Holyhead requested help at 11.52am after receiving reports that the 14-metre yacht was unable to move.
Lifeboat launched within half an hour
Barrow’s volunteer crew was paged following the Coastguard request.
The inshore lifeboat Raymond and Dorothy Billingham launched at 12.23pm, with Adam Cleasby at the helm.
He was joined by crew members Mike Armstrong and Phil Jackson.
The lifeboat then made the short journey from Barrow to the grounded yacht.
Incoming tide helped yacht refloat
Once alongside the vessel, the RNLI crew helped reset its anchor in a better position.
The new anchor position, combined with the incoming tide, allowed the yacht to refloat.
It was then able to continue its journey towards Fleetwood.
As other vessels were operating in the channel, the lifeboat escorted the yacht towards the Sea 5 buoy in the Outer Channel as a precaution.
Crew returned shortly after 1pm
The inshore lifeboat returned to Barrow Boathouse at 1.07pm.
It was rehoused by the waiting shore crew and prepared for its next launch.
Weather conditions were described as good, although there was a south-westerly Force 5 wind.
High tide was due at 4.26pm and was expected to reach eight metres.
