French Yacht A MESSAGE came from the Coastguard to Salcombe honorary secretary at 1335 on Thursday, May 1, to say that the French yacht Alchuader III was unable to manoeuvre due to the very strong winds and the fact that her steering gear was broken. A French trawler which was in the vicinity was unable to take the yacht in tow. So, at 1405, the 47' Watson lifeboat The Baltic Exchange set out to her assistance in a gale force west-south-westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours before low water.

Alchuader HI was drifting in the main shipping lanes 18 miles south of Prawle Point and her crew were therefore in danger. On reaching the yacht at 1655 the lifeboat took her in tow safely back to Salcombe, where her crew of four were landed. After completing her service The Baltic Exchange returned to her moorings at 2140.

The French crew were most appreciative and congratulated the crew of Salcombe lifeboat on their speed and help throughout the incident..