The volunteer crew of Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat were called out at 4.41am this morning, Monday, March 2, to go to the aid of a yachtsman who was in trouble off Ness Point.

The yachtsman was just a short distance from Lowestoft harbour entrance as he had got into difficulties.

The yacht stranded on rocks off Lowestoft. Image: RNLI/Lowestoft (Image: RNLI/Lowestoft)

Lifeboat coxswain John Fox said: "We quickly launched our relief all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Storm Rider and soon reached the yacht which was on the rocks on the seaward side and adjacent to Hamilton Dock.

“The vessel, with waves breaking over it, was firmly aground with its keel wedged in the rocks, so I manoeuvred the lifeboat bow towards the stranded yacht and the crew managed to pull the sailor onto our boat and to safety."

Mr Fox said that within minutes the sailor had been safely transported back to the lifeboat station where he was met by police and the coastguard rescue team.

"Although soaking wet he was grateful to be safe and somewhere warm and dry while he waited for a relative to collect him," Mr Fox added.

"The sailor told us that he had set off in his 10m yacht from the River Orwell near Felixstowe two days ago heading for north Norfolk but had got lost and had suffered seasickness.

“He had used his mobile phone to contact the police who were able to locate his position from the 999 call and sent an officer to check on him and on finding the yacht on the rocks alerted the coastguard.

“He told us that although he had his engine running, he had insufficient power to make headway and with a gusty southerly breeze blowing the yacht had been swept onto the rocks."

The aftermath as the stranded yacht is battered by the waves. Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat crew had rescued a lone sailor from the yacht on rocks. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A lifeboat spokesman added: "The sailor was very unlucky as if the yacht had come ashore a short distance further south, he would have been on the beach.

"The rescue proves the value of regular training for the crew who are ready 24/7 to respond to calls for help to save lives at sea."

© Eastern Daily Press