Lifeboat rescues yacht near rocks 'just in time'
RNLI/Dave CocksA volunteer lifeboat crew rescued a yacht "just in time" as it headed towards rocks, the RNLI has said.
Redcar lifeboat operations manager Mike Picknett spotted the vessel off Redcar at 11:52 GMT on Friday before ringing the coastguard.
Mr Picknett said the yacht was "taking white water over the deck" as it approached East Scar.
The lifeboat's helm, Nathan Hobday, said the vessel "wouldn't have made it out the other side".
The RNLI's Atlantic 85 Leicester Challenge III was launched and Mr Hobday decided to put one of the volunteer crew on board the yacht who, with the aid of the lifeboat, guided the vessel to safer water.
They reached the yacht just before it started to cross over East Scar.
"Had they continued their course, they wouldn't have made it out the other side," he said.
A spokesperson for Redcar RNLI said the lifeboat reached the yacht "just in time".
The yacht had been travelling from Hartlepool to Whitby, with force 8 winds forecast for later.
The lifeboat volunteers advised the crew to change their plans and return to Hartlepool, which they did.
Mr Picknett said the crew's knowledge of the local sea and rocks helped to "ensure a safe outcome for all".
"Their prompt action probably stopped the yacht from floundering on the rocks," he added.