Brayton, United Kingdom - June 22, 2024

Brighton's RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew sprang into action late Saturday night, responding to a distress call from the 40-foot yacht Salty Dog near Saltdean. The yacht, carrying three people and facing a damaged mainsail and low fuel, found itself battling choppy waters as darkness fell.

Launching their Atlantic 85 B-class lifeboat, Random Harvest, at 8:50 pm, the crew navigated swiftly to the Salty Dog's location. Despite challenging conditions, crew member Radek Proutkovsky boarded the yacht to initiate a tow operation and provide essential reassurance to those aboard.

Reflecting on the operation, Helm Mat Humphrey praised the team's coordinated effort: "The crew executed flawlessly to ensure the yacht's safe return. Transferring crew in choppy seas poses significant challenges, but everyone collaborated effectively, resulting in a successful outcome."

Tiago De Souza, one of the individuals aboard the Salty Dog along with friends Adrienn and Michael, expressed profound gratitude for the RNLI crew's bravery and swift response: "The crew went above and beyond to rescue us. Their vigilance and quick action were instrumental in keeping us safe amidst challenging conditions. We owe them a debt of gratitude."

Humphrey emphasized the importance of prompt reporting in such situations: "If you spot someone struggling at sea, dial 999 and request the Coastguard immediately."