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Yacht fire sparks RNLI plea

Credit: RNLI/Douglas

People urged to ensure they are well prepared

People are being urged to ensure they have lifejackets – and suitable floatation devices – if they're taking to the water over the summer.

It's after a yacht sank eight miles off the Manx coast on Saturday after catching fire.

Douglas Lifeboat was called to assist the 42ft vessel which had suffered extensive damage – the lone sailor had disembarked onto a tender.

The individual was then picked up by a passing boat and kept safe whilst waiting for the RNLI response.

Coxswain Peter Cowin said: "It is always sad to see a vessel sink but we are glad that the sailor is safe and well and we would like to wish them well following their ordeal.

"As we approach the summer we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared.

"Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity, let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back, always carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard."

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