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Eastern 057/01
21 April 2001

FERRIES ASSIST STICKEN YACHT

Yarmouth Coastguard was called at 9.30pm on 20 April 2001 by the ferry ‘Norsun’, which reported a yacht had been putting out repeated Mayday messages between Den Helder in Holland and Harwich, Essex.

The coastguard says the 45ft British yacht ‘Madam’ - with a man and woman on board - had lost electrical power, its steering was failing and it was out of range of the coastguard.


'Norsun' - Courtesy Picture by Visit Site
Yarmouth coastguards then put out a relay message to vessels.

Coastguard says there was a north-easterly force five wind and visibility was good. A Tor Anglia ferry then took over the watch.

Coastguard requested the launch of the Lowestoft lifeboat which arrived at 12.45am and the yacht was towed into land, arriving at 6.15am.

Tim Pickard, acting watch manager for Yarmouth Coastguard, says: "When we received the message on Marine VHF Radio from ‘Norsun’ last night, we were very concerned for the safety of the crew of ‘Madam’ since she had broken down in the main shipping lanes.

"With no lights on board and many ferries and merchant ships using these busy routes, the results could have been disastrous.

"However, we are pleased to report that both crew are safe and well after their ordeal."