Rescue crew called to save stricken powerboat
The powerboat Big Old Cat being brought into the Port of Wells by the RNLI. Picture: RNLI Wells Lifeboat Station - Credit: Archant
A 40-foot-long powerboat has been rescued after running into difficulty off the north Norfolk coast.
RNLI Wells Lifeboat Station's all-weather lifeboat has been sent to save a catamaran in the North Sea. Picture: RNLI - Credit: Archant
The offshore racing powerboat, called Big Old Cat, lost power and found itself drifting in the North Sea about eight miles north of Wells.
RNLI Wells Lifeboat Station was called to the rescue at 10.51am today (Sunday, July 7).
Chris Hardy, the station's launch authority, said their all-weather lifeboat was dispatched and reached the powerboat, which had a crew of two, at 11.28am.
Mr Hardy said: "The vessel was about eight miles seaward of Wells. It had mechanical issues and had lost steering.
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"There were two persons on board, both deemed to be safe."
"The intention now is to rig a tow and bring it back into the Port of Wells."
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Mr Hardy said no-one had been injured in the incident.
He said: "They were drifting and clearly wanted to be brought into a point of refuge. We've got high tide at the moment so it's the right time to do it."
The vessel was earlier thought to have been a catamaran.
An RNLI spokesman said: "It was decided to place a crewmember on board, rig a tow and head towards the Fairway Buoy at Wells. The lifeboat towed the casualty to the harbour entrance arriving at 12.15pm.
"With the tide ebbing the tow was shortened and the casualty brought alongside the lifeboat. Once inside the safety of the harbour, a berth was made ready to moor the powerboat on the outer harbour pontoons.
"The lifeboat then, with everything concluded, returned to station and was rehoused, refuelled and made ready for service at 1.15am."
*Wells RNLI will mark its 150th anniversary with a day of celebration on Saturday, July 13, for more details see here.