If your yacht begins to sink, acting quickly and effectively is crucial for your safety and the safety of your crew. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your yacht is sinking:

1. Stay Calm

• Focus: Panicking can hinder your ability to think clearly and act effectively. Keep a calm demeanour to make better decisions and communicate clearly.

2. Alert the Crew and Passengers

• Gather Everyone: Ensure all crew members and passengers know the situation and are prepared to follow emergency procedures discussed in your safety brief (Read more about safety briefs).
• Assign Roles: Quickly assign tasks to crew members, such as gathering safety equipment or preparing life rafts.

3. Send an Emergency Distress Call

• VHF Radio: Use the VHF radio to issue a Mayday call, providing your position, the nature of the emergency, and the number of people on board.
• Emergency Beacons: Activate your EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) if you have one. These devices will automatically send your position to search and rescue services.

4. Begin Evacuation Procedures

• Prepare Life Rafts: Deploy life rafts and ensure they are ready for use. Inflate them and ensure they are not tangled or obstructed.
• Life Jackets: Ensure everyone is wearing a life jacket. If necessary, help those who need assistance.
• Abandon Ship: Instruct everyone to board the life rafts or other flotation devices if the yacht is unstable or safe. Evacuate the yacht using the least risky route.

5. Manage the Situation

• Seal Leaks: If possible, try to slow down the flooding by sealing any visible leaks or using a bilge pump.
• Secure Loose Items: Secure or discard any items that could become hazardous or obstruct evacuation.

6. Ensure Proper Use of Life Rafts

• Inflate Life Rafts: Fully inflate the life rafts and ensure they are stable and secure.
• Board the Rafts: Ensure everyone boards the life rafts calmly and orderly. Avoid overcrowding to prevent capsizing.
• Survival Gear: Ensure the life rafts have essential survival gear, such as water, food, flares, a first-aid kit, and a radio. (Read more about grab bags).

7. Stay Visible and Communicate

• Signal for Help: Use flares, whistles, or other signalling devices to increase your visibility and signal for help.
• Maintain Communication: Contact rescue services if possible and provide updates on your situation.

8. Wait for Rescue

• Remain Calm: Stay as calm as possible while waiting for rescue. Ensure everyone in the life raft stays hydrated and uses survival gear as needed.
• Monitor the Situation: Look for other vessels or rescue teams and be ready to signal them.

9. After Rescue

• Medical Attention: Seek medical attention if needed, especially if anyone has been exposed to cold water or has injuries.
• Report the Incident: Report the sinking to your insurance company and relevant authorities. Provide details about the incident for investigation.

Summary Checklist

Stay calm and focused

Alert crew and passengers, assign roles

Send a Mayday call and activate emergency beacons

Prepare life rafts and ensure everyone wears life jackets

Seal leaks and secure loose items if possible

Inflate and board life rafts, check survival gear

Signal for help and maintain communication

Wait for rescue and seek medical attention if needed

Report the incident and provide details

By following these steps, you can maximise safety and increase the chances of a successful rescue in the event of a sinking yacht.