Volunteers from Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI came to the aid of people on board a yacht that had a problem with the engine.

The Penny J (B-940) Atlantic 85 lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at 1.29 pm on Tuesday, August 11 following a Pan-Pan call from the people on the 45-ft vessel that was approximately 1.5 miles east of Berwick Pier.

The yacht had lost engine propulsion and was unable to safely make its way into Berwick Harbour under its own power. One person on board was also suffering from mild seasickness.

With commercial shipping movements taking place in Berwick Port and conditions expected to become more challenging as the vessel approached the harbour bar, particularly with the outgoing tide and south-easterly wind, the decision was made for the RNLI lifeboat to take the yacht in tow and assist it safely into Berwick Dock.

Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI came to the aid of people on board a yacht that had a problem with the engine. File photo.

placeholder image — Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI came to the aid of people on board a yacht that had a problem with the engine. File photo.

The Atlantic 85 lifeboat crew – helmsman Michael Percy, navigator Christie Avril and crew Shona Richardson and Faye Bell – established a tow and safely escorted the yacht into the dock, where Berwick HM Coastguard assisted with securing the vessel to an available berth.

Michael said: “The incident is a reminder of the importance of being prepared before heading to sea.

“As the saying goes, ‘hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and always set sail with a plan for when things go wrong’.”

The RNLI encourages anyone experiencing difficulties at sea to seek assistance early. A timely call for help can prevent a developing situation from becoming an emergency.