Yachtsman Rescued for Second Time in Walney Channel Within 48 Hours
A yachtsman was rescued by Barrow RNLI for the second time in less than 48 hours after his vessel struggled in Walney Channel.
The latest incident happened on Tuesday afternoon, August 4. The man’s 20-foot yacht was attempting to travel from Roa Island to Fleetwood.
However, the vessel began struggling in south-westerly winds while passing through the channel. The same yacht had received help from Barrow RNLI less than two days earlier.
Lifeboat Crew Called on Tuesday Afternoon
HM Coastguard contacted Barrow RNLI at 3.07pm after concerns were raised about the vessel.
The station’s volunteer crew were paged, and its inshore lifeboat launched at 3.25pm. Ben Jackson was at the helm, supported by crew members Michael Armstrong and Luke Wilkinson.
The lifeboat soon reached the yacht and carried out an assessment. Crews considered the weather, the vessel’s condition and other safety factors.
They decided that towing the yacht was the safest option.
Yacht Towed to a Safe Mooring
The volunteers attached a tow line and brought the yacht back to Piel Bight. It was then secured to a safe mooring.
The yachtsman was taken back to Barrow Lifeboat Station on Roa Island. He was met by members of the Furness Coastguard Rescue Team, who provided safety advice.
The inshore lifeboat was then returned to the boathouse. Volunteers prepared it for any further emergency calls.
Weather conditions were described as good at the time. However, the south-westerly wind had reached Force 4 to 5.
High tide was expected at 3.54pm and had a predicted height of 8.4 metres.
First Rescue Happened Less Than 48 Hours Earlier
The same yacht had needed help during a separate incident late on Sunday evening, August 2.
HM Coastguard first contacted Barrow RNLI at 11.23pm. A lone yachtsman had reportedly become disorientated while entering Walney Channel at Haws Point.
The inshore lifeboat launched at 11.41pm with Jonny Long at the helm and three other volunteers on board.
Crews found the yacht east of Piel Island, close to the lifeboat station. They decided to tow the vessel to prevent it from becoming a danger within the channel.
One RNLI volunteer boarded the yacht to help lower its sails and secure the tow. The vessel was then brought back to Roa Island and attached to a suitable mooring.
The lifeboat returned to its boathouse at 12.20am.
RNLI Issues Safety Reminder
Barrow RNLI Press Officer Chris Clouter said its volunteer crews will respond whenever they are asked to help.
He also reminded people using the sea to remain within their abilities. Sailors should consider the weather and tides before setting out.
Walney Channel contains shallow areas and shifting tidal conditions. Wind and tide can also make the passage more challenging for smaller vessels.
Anyone heading onto the water should check the latest forecast and tide times. They should also carry suitable safety and communication equipment.
