Dutch yacht re-floated

A Dutch sailor was rescued from his yacht yesterday after he ran aground on one of the Second World War concrete submarine barriers off Southsea.

Bystanders on Southsea beach raised the alarm and the RNLI Portsmouth lifeboat was sent to the scene at 3pm yesterday.

Crews were concerned as the yacht was balancing precariously on the concrete block, heeling as the sea level dropped. The sailor was taken off the yacht and back to shore, and the RNLI crew returned to re-float the vessel at 6pm.

Helmsman Peter Slidel said: ‘A very fortunate Dutch boat owner was delighted to be reinstated with his 1934 converted shrimp boat, and he thanked our volunteer lifeboat crew for their professionalism.’