A 24ft yacht in danger of grounding to the East of Hilbre Island in the River Dee, was rescued by Hoylake Lifeboat on Sunday evening. The yacht 'Guappa' had sailed from her moorings at Heswall in the morning for a day's sailing, writes John Curry. There were two people on board, the yacht's owner, David Satherthwaite, of Gayton, and a friend Andrew Rowdally, of Wallasey.

They had anchored the yacht to the North of Hilbre Island and found themselves in difficulties when they came to hoist the mainsail for the return journey on the flood of the evening tride.

They discovered that they could not set the mainsail because the foot of the mast had split and the mast was in danger of collapsing under strain.

The strong South-Westerly wind, which was blowing a good force six, coupled with the strong flood tide were causing the anchor to drag and the vessel was in danger of being driven ashore. The small outboard engine was found to be useless in the heavy surf and confused seas.

Fortunately, her plight was noticed from the shore and a 999 call alerted Liverpool Coastguard who requested the launch of the Hoylake Lifeboat which raced to the casualty's assistance.

The coxswain of the Hoylake Lifeboat, David Dodd, skillfully manouvered 'The Lady of Hilbre' alongside the 'Guappa' and transferred a crew member, Andrew Dodd, to help secure the tow.

With a line made fast, the lifeboat towed the yacht to a safe mooring at Thurstaston before recovering the crew member and returning to station shortly before midnight.

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