RNLI crews perform yacht rescue near Staithes

Whitby RNLI volunteer crew launch the all-weather lifeboat to respond to a yacht in difficulties. Credit: Ceri Oakes/RNLI

The alarm was raised at 7.30pm after the 10m yacht, which was carrying four adults and a child, reported engine problems near Boulby cliffs between Staithes and Skinningrove.

With a westerly wind rising to Force 7 there were fears that the vessel could be driven onto the rocks.

Humber Coastguard requested launches at both Whitby and Staithes RNLI stations and although the yacht regained power, there were concerns that she would face steering difficulties.

Therefore, both volunteer crews were tasked to escort her to her base in Hartlepool, where she was docked safely.

Whitby RNLI Coxswain Mike Russell said: "They did the right thing to contact us once they started experiencing difficulties, the weather was getting progressively worse and we decided that although they were up and running again, the safest option was to escort the yacht back to port."

Another vessel, the DVS Curtis Marshall, also assisted with the initial search for the yacht. The diving team had been working on repairs to the underwater pipe for Boulby potash mine.

The crew spotted the yacht on their passage back to Hartlepool and updated the RNLI with its location

Whitby RNLI station mechanic Richard Dowson said: "We'd like to thank the crew on the Curtis Marshall for their support, the yacht in question was having trouble with communications so we were grateful to receive information that helped us reach it as quickly as possible."

The volunteer crew's lifeboats, Whitby's all-weather George and Mary Webb and Staithes' inshore Sheila & Dennis Tongue III, returned to their stations by 10.30pm after a passage of some 45 miles at sea.

Deputy Launch Authority with Staithes and Runswick RNLI, Sean baxter added: "It was a lengthy operation in tricky wind conditions, so in the circumstances it was a sensible precaution to have both lifeboats escort the vessel safely home."