High seas, low fuel
3 April: A father and son were bringing their yacht from Troon to Whitehaven when they ran out of fuel in a force 9, 12 miles from their destination. Workington’s Tyne class lifeboat launched at 4.45pm and headed for the yacht, which was now drifting towards St Bees with a couple of seasick and very cold men onboard. The lifeboat crew set up a tow and headed for shore. Conditions were so rough that the tow parted three times during the journey, and a lifeboat crew member had to jump onboard the yacht as her crew were so sick. They brought the yacht into Whitehaven at 9.15pm, returning to station at 10.15pm.