Propeller fouled A SMALL YACHT reported to HM Coastguard by VHP radio on the evening of Saturday October 7, 1978, that a 28ft sloop on passage from Penarth to Porlock Weir was broken down and drifting in Porlock Bay; she required immediate assistance.

The honorary secretary of Minehead ILB station was informed, Watchet Coastguard mobile was alerted and the Auxiliary Coastguard Porlock set watch.

Minehead Zodiac Mark V ILB, with Helmsman D. James in command and K. Escott and S. Canning as crew, launched at 1955 into a choppy sea and headed west for Porlock Bay at full speed. There was a fresh to strong breeze blowing from the south south west and it was 2'/2 hours to high water.

The yacht was soon sighted, drifting.

A rope had fouled her propeller, pulling the shaft from the coupling. She was close inshore and, with the tide flooding, was in danger of going on the rocks.

Crew Member Canning boarded the yacht and helped to get her anchor, the chain of which had fouled in the hawsepipe. She was then taken in tow, reaching Minehead Harbour safely at 2205. With a cross wind, which by then had risen to strong to near gale, and a rough and confused sea it had been a very difficult passage.

The ILB returned to station at 2210 and was rehoused and once again ready for service at 2245..