Crews from Holbrook Coastguard and Harwich RNLI rescued two sailors whose yacht had suffered engine failure in the dark of night.

The volunteer crew of Harwich RNLI's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Tierney, Harvey, and Sonny Reid launched for the second time over the Easter Weekend after responding to their pagers (link to first service details below in Notes to Editor).

UK Coastguard requested volunteers assist two people on board a small motor yacht, on the River Orwell, with engine failure. Being tired, cold, and a little distressed by the situation, the two occupants had tied up to a nearby buoy and called for help.

After undertaking a shoreline search, the coastguard team from Holbrook were first to spot the casualty vessel tied to a buoy under the Orwell Bridge. They successfully guided the Harwich lifeboat crew to their location.

On arrival the volunteers undertook a welfare check of the two occupants.

It was deemed the safest option was for the lifeboat to tow the casualties and their yacht to its mooring at Debbage Yacht Moorings, where the coastguard team had gone ahead by road in preparation for their arrival. Once safely on its mooring, the yacht's occupants were passed to the care of the coastguard team.

The volunteer crew were finally able to return to their beds, after ensuring the lifeboat was ready for service, at 1:30am next morning.

Helmsman Antony Charles said: "It was a good joint effort between ourselves and the coastguard team, resulting in a positive outcome. The occupants did the right thing calling for help and tying to the buoy, as this prevented them getting into a worse situation, drifting uncontrollably on the tidal river."

In 2021 the volunteers of Harwich RNLI launched on average every three days to aid a total stranger in distress. None of which would have been possible without the generous support of the community.