Port St Mary lifeboats called out after yacht drifts towards rocks

Vessel towed to safety after breaking mooring and drifting across Bay ny Carrickey

Port St Mary's lifeboats launched last night after a yacht was spotted drifting towards rocks in the south of the Island.

The vessel's mooring broke in Port St Mary harbour, resulting in the yacht drifting across Bay ny Carrickey to the area of the Cronnag just after 8pm.

The all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat both attended, with two crew members transferred onto the yacht to confirm no-one was on board.

With fears the yacht could drift onto the rocks and sustain damage, a tow was established and the vessel was recovered to Port St Mary harbour.

Volunteer crew member Dan Shimmin said: "I was so proud to be part of the crew today. Teamwork and some great boat handling meant we were able to stop the yacht being driven onto the rocks. 

"Had it grounded, there was a real risk of fuel, oil and debris entering the marine environment, as well as the likely loss of the yacht for its owner.

"Everyone worked together brilliantly and it's great to have helped prevent what could have been a very different outcome. Thanks to those that reported it."