The Hayling Island RNLI lifeboat crews were kept on their toes this Saturday after responding to two separate yacht emergencies within the space of a few hours.

The first call came at 13:25, following a Pan Pan distress alert issued by a yacht that had been dismasted south of Hayling Island. The RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was launched and quickly arrived at the scene to find the vessel’s crew had already retrieved the broken mast and most of their sails.

The D Class inshore lifeboat also responded, heading ahead to Sparkes Marina to secure a suitable berth. The yacht, able to proceed under its own power, was safely escorted into the marina by the Atlantic 85, with D Class crew members assisting in the berthing process. The yacht’s crew confirmed no further assistance was required, and both lifeboats returned to base.

Later in the evening, at just before 19:00, the Coastguard requested a second launch. A report had come in of a yacht with eight people and a dog onboard that had become stuck on a marker buoy and was unable to free itself.

Both Hayling lifeboats were launched again and made haste to the scene. Upon arrival, the Atlantic 85 successfully freed the vessel from the buoy. However, the yacht’s skipper reported stiff steering and requested an escort to Haslar Marina in Portsmouth Harbour.

The D Class lifeboat returned to the station while the Atlantic 85 escorted the yacht across Hayling Bay. At the entrance of Langstone Harbour, the Portsmouth RNLI crew met them with their own Atlantic 85 lifeboat and took over the escort duties, accompanying the stricken vessel into Haslar Marina.

A spokesperson for Hayling RNLI praised the coordination between the lifeboat stations and the swift response of the crews:

“This was a great example of teamwork between our Hayling crews and the Portsmouth RNLI. Both incidents could have escalated without prompt action. Thankfully, both yachts and everyone aboard, including the dog, are safe and sound.”

The RNLI continues to remind all boaters to ensure their vessels are well-maintained and that safety equipment is readily available before setting sail.