In a dramatic sea rescue off the Isle of Wight, two people were saved from a blazing motor boat by Bembridge RNLI. The incident, which occurred today, saw the boat, named Peroni, engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke visible for miles across the sea.
At around 10.20 am, lifeboats and a coastguard rescue helicopter responded to a mayday call from the burning vessel. The boat was drifting in the waters near Ventnor, a town on the south coast of the Isle of Wight when it caught fire.
The Bembridge RNLI acted swiftly, rescuing the two stranded individuals on board and safely bringing them back to shore. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed that everyone on board was accounted for and safe.
A local resident from Upper Bonchurch witnessed the harrowing scene through binoculars. They reported to the Isle of Wight County Press that they saw a “big ball of flames” before the boat vanished underwater. The incident caused alarm among onlookers, many of whom made emergency calls after witnessing the fire from the coast.
The Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat crew stayed with the burning boat to observe the blaze and monitor debris from the craft. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the organization stated: “Called out this morning to the motor vessel Peroni, that caught fire in Sandown Bay, Casualties are safe and picked up by @BembridgeRNLI, and we are standing by to monitor the fire and debris.
The boat eventually drifted several miles before sinking.
A spokesperson from the Maritime and Coastguard added: “Two people have been rescued after the vessel caught on fire. HM Coastguard coordinated the response after receiving a Mayday from the boat which was just off Ventnor, Isle of Wight. The HM Coastguard helicopter from Lee on Solent was also sent but stood down once it was confirmed those on board the vessel were all accounted for and safe. The vessel has now sunk.”
This dramatic incident highlights the dangers at sea and the crucial role of rescue services in ensuring maritime safety.
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