Lifeboat Crew paged at 02:37 for immediate ALB launch.

The Royal Shipwright launched at 02:55 to go to the aid of a yacht in difficulties 2 miles off Mundesley. The yacht, 'MOONSTONE' with 3 POB, had been on passage to the Humber.

Due to the sea conditions at the time and that the casualty was heading into the weather, the crew aboard had become exhausted and required some assistance.

With a Putford Standby vessel on scene keeping watch, the lifeboat crew prepared a tow line ready for use if required, before they went alongside the casualty.

When on scene, Coxswain John Davies, spoke to the skipper of the 'Moonstone' and made sure all aboard were OK and advised him that it would be best to turn and head for the shelter of Gt. Yarmouth. Using the light of the lifeboats search lights a crew member aboard the 'Moonstone' managed to secure the sail on the foredeck in the heavy swell and difficult conditions.

At 03:40 the lifeboat began to escort the vessel towards Great Yarmouth at approximately 6 knots, with the casualty vessel following close behind. Crew members on the lifeboat took it in turn on deck to keep an eye on the casualty vessel making sure they stayed close by and regular radio communications made sure all was well aboard the 'Moonstone'. Updating our position with the coastguard as we went.

After watching the sun come up over the horizon and some 4 hours after launching from the beach, the lifeboat watched the 'Moonstone' enter the harbour at Gt. Yarmouth and then headed for home.

Arriving back on the East beach at Cromer at 09:52, the lifeboat was recovered onto her carriage, washed down, re-fuelled and made ready for service at 10:45.

Crew

J Davies (Coxswain)

P Watling (Mechanic)

A Woods

A Barker

N Lowe

R Jackson

R Kirk

M Brown

A Lincoln

Shore Crew

G Stallard (Head Launcher)

R Annis (Tractor - Launch)

M Newlands (Tractor - Recovery)

C Davies

C Begley

S Gasse

M Wass

P Russell

R Leeds

P Stibbons

C Rogers

D Heir

C Davies

J Stuart

See some images in the Gallery