Grounded Yacht Off Hastings Sinks Overnight – Skipper Swims Ashore Safely
A sailing yacht that ran aground on rocks off St Leonards, Hastings, on Tuesday evening later sank overnight after the situation deteriorated.
The incident began while the RNLI Eastbourne Trent class all-weather lifeboat was at sea conducting a mechanic pass-out exercise for volunteer Brandon. Solent Coastguard requested the crew divert to St Leonards following reports of a yacht aground with one person on board.
As the lifeboat made best speed to the scene, volunteers prepared the launch of the XP daughter craft in case it was needed to reach the casualty.
On arrival, the yacht was found firmly aground on the rocks. Coastguard Rescue Officers from HM Coastguard Bexhill and HM Coastguard Hastings reached the vessel on foot, where they confirmed the skipper was safe and uninjured.
After discussing the situation with emergency responders, the skipper chose to remain aboard in the hope that the rising tide would refloat the vessel. With no immediate risk to life, the RNLI lifeboat and Coastguard teams were stood down.
However, at 1.04am on Wednesday, Coastguard teams were called back to the scene after the vessel began taking on water and started to sink.
By the time rescuers arrived, the skipper had safely abandoned the yacht and swum ashore.
Coastguard Rescue Officers carried out further welfare checks, confirming there were no injuries or medical concerns. They also gathered information about the vessel’s contents to ensure there were no hazardous materials on board that could pose a risk to the environment or other water users.
The Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat was also tasked to the incident but was stood down before arriving after it was confirmed that no further water rescue was required.
The incident prompted a significant multi-agency response involving RNLI Eastbourne, HM Coastguard Bexhill, HM Coastguard Hastings, Solent Coastguard, and the Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat.
Thankfully, the skipper escaped unharmed, although the vessel was lost after sinking. Thanks to the Sussex Coast Incident Page.
Photo – HM Coastguard- Bexhill
