Wirral lifeboats rescue lone sailor stranded in Force 10 gale (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral lifeboats rescue lone sailor stranded in Force 10 gale

4:30pm Friday 4th September 2009 in News By Globe correspondent

Hoylake and New Brighton lifeboats arriving to help stranded vessel

Hoylake lifeboat under command of Second Coxswain mechanic Andy Dodd launched into a North Westerly storm Force 10 gale to assist a lone sailor.

The lifeboat was requested to launch by Liverpool Coastguard after a lone sailor aboard a 50ft ketch anchored in unfamiliar ground and became fatigued.

Because the wind was so strong the sailor could not recover his anchor.

New Brighton lifeboat was also sent to the scene, due to the size of the yacht and the weather conditions.

After swiftly launching Hoylake's "Lady of Hilbre" into ferocious seas, Second Coxswain Dodd made rapid speed towards the stricken vessel.

On arrival at the scene, half-a-mile north of the Perch Rock lighthouse, it was observed that a crew member from New Brighton was already aboard the vessel.

With the assistance of New Brighton lifeboat, a tow was established and, with wind speeds still approaching Force 10, Hoylake lifeboat began to take the weight and this enabled the anchor to be raised.

Coxswain Dodd then towed the vessel to the safety of Liverpool Marina.

With the ketch safely inside the marina, both lifeboats returned to station.