Launch to assist yacht taking on water

The 31ft Moody yacht Viadante was on the final leg of a training week with a local skipper and two crew on board. She began to take in water through the stern gland and propeller shaft and the lifeboat was asked to shadow her to her berth at the Darthaven Marina in case of complications. This was achieved without incident. The lifeboat was unable to launch from her usual slip next to the Higher Ferry due to the extremely low tide. The tide had fallen to less than 0.4m with half an hour to go before low water. Launching from the Lower Ferry slip was achieved without incident although the lifeboat could not be recovered for another one and a half hours after she had left the casualty. She was placed back on service whilst still on the water. Lifeboat crew; Kevin Murphy helmsman, Kevin John & Jamie Mathys Launch crew; Jim Brent tractor driver, Les English & Rob Clements