RNLI Lowestoft saves Belgian yacht with rope caught around its propeller

A yacht from Belgium bound for Inverness was rescued 20 miles off the coast of Lowestoft.

RNLI lifeboat crews were called out at just before 7.30 am yesterday to give aid to the 35ft yacht.

It had become stranded south-east of the coastal town and sailors were unable to start the engine as a rope was caught in its propeller.

The yacht was carrying two men and a woman.

Crews freed the rope and towed the boat to safe harbour.

It had been stranded there since around midnight.

RNLI lifeboat coxswain John Fox said that sea swell made freeing the yacht difficult and risky.

The ropes were attached to whelk pots anchored to the seabed.

He added: "We grappled for the whelk gear on the seabed that they were snagged on. We managed to locate and lift the anchor to free the vessel.

"We slowly towed the vessel back to the safety of the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club Marina, arriving back at 1.45pm."