FELIXSTOWE Volunteer Coast Patrol Service has rescued two sailing boats in trouble in the River Orwell.Shortly after 1pm on Saturday July 14 the patrol service's launch 'Volunteer' observed a small sloop which had been blown ashore in strong winds at Fagbury Point, Trimley Marshes.

FELIXSTOWE Volunteer Coast Patrol Service has rescued two sailing boats in trouble in the River Orwell.

Shortly after 1pm on Saturday July 14 the patrol service's launch 'Volunteer' observed a small sloop which had been blown ashore in strong winds at Fagbury Point, Trimley Marshes.

Service chairman John Cresswell said: “The sloop 'Kiwi' was aground on a falling tide and was unable to use its engine because of the shallows.

“Volunteer was able to pull the sloop back into the channel where it was checked for any underwater damage before being safely towed back to Woolverstone with its 70-year-old male yachtsman.”

At 2.45pm on Sunday July 15 the service was again on routine patrol in Buttermans Bay in the Orwell.

Mr Cresswell added: “Volunteer observed a large sloop with its crew waving frantically to attract attention. The sloop 'Athena of Lymington' had fouled its rudder on a submerged mooring chain and was stuck fast and unable to free itself.

“The danger was that the strong spring ebb tide could pull the sloops rudder out causing the sloop to founder in deep water. Volunteer's crew were able to free the mooring chain from the sloop's rudder before any further damage was done.”

The Athena and her two strong crew were able to make their own way back to Woolverstone escorted by Volunteer.

What do you think of the coast patrol? Were you one of those rescued? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk