Putford-Voyager Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On August 2, 2017, at approximately 5 p.m., the offshore tug 'Putford Voyager' played a crucial role in a dramatic rescue operation involving the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston all-weather lifeboat 'Samarbeta.' The mission was initiated to assist the nine-meter yacht 'Nautilus,' which was carrying two individuals and had suffered an engine failure while navigating treacherous weather en route from the Netherlands to the UK. Faced with fierce 30-knot winds, a following sea, wave heights reaching 3.5-4 meters, and Force 8 conditions, reaching the yacht's location—25 nautical miles northeast of Cromer—was no easy feat. During the journey, additional information indicated that the commercial vessel 'Arco Breeze' had visual contact with the yacht, prompting the 'Putford Voyager' to alter its course to respond to the distress call and reach the 'Nautilus.' Upon arrival, the 'Putford Voyager' deployed its rigid inflatable boat to secure the yacht, ensuring the safety of the fatigued sailors, who fortunately reported no injuries. Subsequently, the tug established a tow to guide the yacht towards the lifeboat. Upon reaching the scene, the 'Samarbeta' took command of the operation and assumed the towing responsibilities from the 'Putford Voyager.' The offshore tug then maintained a safe distance while awaiting guidance from the Humber Coastguard, which later permitted the crew of the 'Putford Voyager' to resume their journey to the Leman Gas Field. The lifeboat, with the 'Nautilus' in tow, battled the severe weather conditions as it made its way back to Great Yarmouth. Upon arrival, the local coastguard team from Gorleston was on hand to check on the well-being of the German father-son duo, assess any damage to the yacht, and assist with safely mooring the vessel. The entire operation spanned approximately eleven hours, with the heroic volunteer crew of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat not returning to their station until nearly 3 a.m. on August 3.