A newly-bought cabin cruiser ran aground on Winchelsea Beach in East Sussex after suffering engine failure in rough seas.
The boat owner was rescued from the beach by the Rye Bay and Hastings Coastguard Rescue Teams yesterday afternoon, after alerting the Coastguard that the engine on his newly purchased boat had failed and that he was taking on water.
The RNLI inshore lifeboat based at Rye Bay and the RNLI all-weather lifeboat based at Hastings were sent to help him. Unfortunately the anchor of the 20ft Colvic motorboat failed to hold the boat in the rough seas and he was driven on to the beach.
UK Coastguard Frank O’Neill said: ‘This sailor must regret his decision to move his new boat from Newhaven to Dover. Unfortunately the weather was against him and it’s a timely reminder for us all to always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out and prepare accordingly.
‘Despite his bad luck with the engine he was well prepared and was able to make a call to ask for help. Without these preparations and a working vhf radio he may not have lived to tell the tale.’
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Andrew Tollett, Deputy Launching Authority at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station said: ‘To stay safe always check the weather forecast and tide times. The sea is unpredictable and, at times, a dangerous place.
‘During 2013, 2,433 RNLI lifeboat launches to yachts and motorboats took place.’