Flares fired by skipper of yacht bought on eBay
24/08/2020
The skipper of a yacht bought on eBay that was “barely seaworthy” fired flares after getting into difficulty off the south coast.
Weymouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched one evening in August. This followed a Mayday call from a yacht thought to be some 20 miles south of Portland Bill.
On the way, the crew spotted two red flares sent up by a yacht some three miles from Portland Bill, according to Weymouth RNLI’s Facebook page.
On arrival, it became apparent that the yacht was the same one that broadcast the Mayday. However, it had given the wrong position.
The single occupant said that he had been at sea for several days. He was travelling from Brixham to Holland, but needed assistance after the engine failed and winds were still.
The Coxswain was so concerned with the condition of the yacht and the capabilities of the skipper that he asked the Coastguard to meet them back at Weymouth.
The yacht was towed back to Weymouth. There, Wyke Coastguard gave the skipper of the yacht bought on eBay some safety advice. They also discussed the need to have a seaworthy vessel.
In conclusion, the Coastguard said, “We fully understood his predicament and reasons for being at sea. He assured us he would not be going back out again. We gave safety advice to that effect and wished him well for the future.”
The image is a stock picture of Weymouth Lifeboat.
