Lowestoft RNLI's new Shannon class lifeboat, the Patsy Knight, was called out about 11.30am this morning (Monday) to aid a German yacht, which had got into difficulties five miles east of Lowestoft.
The 30ft yacht, with two people on board, was struggling to make headway with its small engine, which was not powerful enough to cope with the moderate sea conditions and to get safely into port.
Lifeboat coxswain, John Fox, said: 'It was the first time we had launched to a call-out in these conditions. The greater speed of the new lifeboat meant that we had reached the stranded vessel much quicker.
'Despite a south east wind and in heavy rain, we soon located the yacht and connected a tow line, bringing the vessel safely into the yacht basin.'
This was the lifeboat's second call-out in less than 24 hours, after they launched to help a kayaker who had got into difficulties yesterday morning (Sunday).
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