Peel lifeboat responds to yacht with failed engine

Crews towed the vessel back to shore

Peel's lifeboat crew have helped tow a yacht back to shore after its engine failed.

The vessel, which had one person on board, was six nautical miles southwest of Peel when they got the call on Friday afternoon (4 April).

The crew decided it was safest to tow the yacht to the Breakwater to make the necessary repairs.

It was volunteer Mike Taylor’s first emergency callout as coxswain of Peel’s Shannon class lifeboat, and he says: "There were communication issues with the casualty vessel and information about its location was limited at first, but with further details from HM Coastguard we were able to redirect our search and locate the vessel.

"Once on scene we checked the well-being of its solo skipper, considered his situation and the sea conditions and determined the safest way of assisting was to tow the vessel to Peel where necessary repairs could be made.

"As we approached Peel, we changed from an astern tow to an alongside tow, allowing us to secure the casualty vessel alongside the Breakwater.

"Towing can be dangerous for casualties and crew if carried out incorrectly, so it is important that our crew members develop and maintain their knowledge and skills through regular training. Today everyone put their training to use and performed well."