TWO yachts had to be rescued by Shoreham's inshore lifeboat when they became stuck under the footbridge.
The crew of Skellig had been towing another yacht, Dragon Singer, towards Sussex Yacht Club's visitors' mooring at lunchtime on Wednesday, June 24, when they lost control, snapping the stern line they were using for the tow.
The rope fell into the water and became wrapped round the yacht's propeller.
Shoreham lifeboat spokesman Dave Cassan said: "Now completely powerless, the yacht and its charge were swept rapidly up-river and, although one of the skippers had managed to deploy an anchor, they both slammed up against the footbridge.
"With the fast-flowing tide, they were now tangled together and stuck fast."
Shoreham's inshore lifeboat arrived in response to 999 calls reporting two yachts in difficulty and trapped under the footbridge by Shoreham High Street.
The crew untangled both yachts, which suffered slight damage, and returned them to Sussex Yacht Club.
The skipper of one of the yachts was treated by coastguard officers for minor injuries to his hand.
To read about more rescues carried out by Shoreham's inshore lifeboat crews see this week's Shoreham Herald.-------------------------------------
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