PEOPLE taking a look at the RNLI Yarmouth Lifeboat during the Old Gaffers' Festival had to abandon their visit when it was called to the aid of a nearby yacht.
The Eric and Susan Hiscock all weather lifeboat was open during the festival, held in Yarmouth over the weekend, to teach visitors about the vital lifesaving work of the RNLI.
They were given a real life demonstration on Saturday, when a call came in from a stricken yacht.
The 30ft yacht, Mable, had run aground on rocks at Hamstead Ledge, two miles east of Yarmouth, with two people on board.
Once on the scene, the lifeboat launched its inflatable smaller boat and secured a line to tow the yacht to deeper water. It was undamaged, and continued on her way to the Hamble.
The lifeboat had to leave the festival again when another yacht, the Hong Kong Star, sailed over unmarked lobster pot gear off Brook Ledge and fouled its propeller. It was able to continue on its way after the crew cut it free.
Lifeboat press officer Richard Hemming said: “This type of emergency is all too common and lends weight to the current campaign to have fishing gear properly marked. A vessel unable to move is both a danger to themselves and to other shipping.”