Blackpool RNLI volunteers were called out at 4:54 p.m. yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 12th July) to reports of a small dinghy in difficulty just off North Pier. The dinghy had left the Isle of Wight on April 10th and was sailing around the British Isles for charity. The intrepid solo sailor, Andrew Hill Smith, had completed approximately 65% of the challenge.
As the crew were arriving at the Lifeboat Station, they were informed that the Laser Dingy had capsized and washed up on the beach near the Comedy Carpet. The Land Rover and crew headed to the location to check the sailor had no injuries. Luckily, Andrew was in good spirits and was ok.
The crew helped Andrew bring the small dinghy up to the station for an overnight stop and to make repairs to his boat. The RNLI say that hopefully Andrew will be on his way again soon.
