Have you ever had to be rescued by the RNLI?

Question

If yes, when and where, and for what reason?

Answer 1

No, but I always give generously on Lifeboat Day just in case.

Answer 2

YES !!Many years back I was fishing in my boat in Minehead Bay (Bristol Channel) after Cod and got caught out one night by an unexpected very dense fog. I had all the correct gear and all the recommended navigation equipment on board. I sat at anchor in the fog for about three hours without knowing where I was but stupidly did not believe or have confidence in the onboard GPS and believed rather arrogontly that I knew the waters better than most. I became cold and wet very quickly as the fog carried moisture into the cabin area etc. I contacted Swansea Coastguard and told them I would be at anchor until the fog lifted and would make my way inshore when I could actually see harbour lights. The coastguard were very concerned for my well being and kept intouch by VHF every 15 minutes over the space of 2 hours.  My dry set of clothes became drenched and the cabin was soaking wet even with a heater on so I decided to risk going back to the harbour with a compass bearing I had taken 6 months earlier. I had the engines on quarter speed and gingerly made my way into the direction the compass directed until I glimpsed a green light which I took for the harbour wall but as I headed towards the light it kept moving around me and reading my compass I could see I had nearly done a full 360 degree course, baffled and frightened I opened up both engines to full power to try and head straight for the light as it continually kept going away from me, Suddenly after about 5 minutes of going around in circles, out of the fog came a bloody great yacht with her green starboard light to me. I veered away from the craft and composed myself I made my way back to the yacht and come alongside I shouted at the skipper "I thought you were the harbour light and have been following you" he replied "I thought you were the harbour light and I been chasing you" Both of us agreed that we were becoming a danger to each other and other larger vessels so I again called up the coastguard for both boats and said we required assistance . Within 12 minutes of the call a faint blue flashing light appeared out of the fog, it was a welcome sight of an RNLI Atlantic 75 with 4 crew onboard. Both the skipper of the yacht and I were guided back into shore and were safely moored up. I was so pleased that these fellas had given up their free time voluntarily to come out and help me and I am certain the yacht skipper felt the same. The following day I sheepishly went down to the boat house with  a donation and the obligatory crate of beer and got talking to some of the crew. I was very impressed with the operation so much so I applied to join after a 12 month probationary period I was accepted onto the crew and have since taken part in many "shouts" which have saved many lives and I am proud to be a part of a great organisation .

Answer 3

No, but do you remember the guy who had to be resued because he was using an ordinary motoring atlas to navigate around the UKs coastal waters???

My brother lives on his boat and sails a lot so I always give generously to the RNLI!

Answer 4

Not personally, but saw a small yacht being helped to safety off Seahouses, Northumberland by the inshore lifeboat, obviously a genuine rescue. Whereas, the idiots who try and cross the causeway at Holy Island,after the safe crossing time, take up the resources of not only the RNLI but the Air Sea Rescue services. Each rescue puts the safety of the brave lads at risk and costs thousands of pounds.

Answer 5

My friend was rescued by the RNLI inshore lifeboat off of Hayling Island 25-ish years ago.

He had been sailing his Laser-M dinghy (Foreunner of the Laser Radial) across Hayling Bay and had capsized.  As it wasn't particularly windy, he hadn't done the cunningham up properly in its cleat.  When he turned turtle, his whole rig simply dropped out and remained attached only by the mainsheet.

The RNLI turned our double-quick and rescued him, returning to their station with his boat and rig across the front of their rescue boat.  The only thing injured that day was my friend's pride (You should have seen his red face!) but all was well that ended well.  The lifeboat crew handled his dinghy with more care than he did - it was made available for his collection within minutes of his being taken ashore. (Interestingly, it was placed right next to the RNLI charity collection box!)

Another satisfied customer - well done the RNLI!

Answer 6

No however i think all small boat owners should be licensed and have insurance so that the RNLI could be better financed that having to rattle a tin.

anyone can skipper a boat,drunk or not, even if they dont know port from starboard