Press Notice No: 83-12
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Posted 16:13 GMT

At 3.23 am, Yarmouth Coastguard were contacted by the skipper of a work boat called ECC Opal from Sheringham Shoal wind farm, reporting that they had been approached by a yachtsman on a small yacht off the Norfolk coast, asking – Which way is Hull?

Yarmouth Coastguard requested the launch of the Cromer independent lifeboat. Upon arriving at the position of the yacht 14 miles offshore, they discovered a man who was disorientated, which was probably due to tiredness.

The owner was attempting to sail from Great Yarmouth to Hull.

The yacht had none of the recommended safety equipment like VHF radio or flares nor navigation aids such as GPS or even charts.

Yarmouth Coastguard advised that purchasing a craft over the internet can certainly be problematic.

The yacht was taken under tow by the Cromer lifeboat who then handed over the tow to Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat and taken to Yarmouth.

Dave Moore, Watch Officer, Yarmouth Coastguard said:

Especially at the start of the good weather we see an increase in ill equipped craft and untrained sailors getting into trouble off our coast.

This mornings incident was the third in the last few weeks involving recently purchased craft that were inadequately prepared for the sea. People get over enthusiastic with their new purchase and often overestimate their ability and underestimate the possible dangers.

Anyone considering moving a craft by water should consider using a professional survey and ensure it is properly equipped, and especially for small craft consider if road transport is more appropriate. Experience and training for all on board should be up to the task of delivering an unfamiliar boat.

Posted By: Fred Caygill

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401