MAYDAY IN THE STORM

An International air-sea search was launched on August 10th after a yacht crew sent out a mayday signal to coastguards as storms lashed the north east coast.

Humber Coastguards launched Hartlepool and Whitby all weather lifeboats after receiving the distress signal from the yacht, 'Time Out' at about 04.30am. The vessel with two people on board had left Hartlepool about twelve hours earlier bound for Holland. A search and rescue Sea King helicopter from RAF Leconsfield was later due to be joined by a Nimrod aircraft to sweep a 450 square mile area.

Despite all efforts to raise the crew on the emergency radio frequency nothing was heard after the initial mayday and coastguards were unable to pinpoint the exact position of the yacht from its transmission. Dutch and German coastguards also received the distress signal and mobilised a search from their end.

However, just before 09.00hrs Humber Coastguards reported that the yacht had been spotted by an oil supply vessel in the Cleeton field about 35mls due east of Flamborough Head, north of Bridlington. The crew of the yacht were safe and had weathered the storm and were continuing their voyage to Holland. So all's well that ends well.

Editor