Tracksuit lads rescued from speedboat for third time – a disaster waiting to happen!
A group of five tracksuit-clad teens have been rescued from a dodgy speedboat for the third time in three weeks. This latest mishap happened after they set sail from Broadmarsh slipway, only to run out of fuel and drift helplessly in Langstone Harbour.
Another Rescue as Inexperienced Crew Run Out of Fuel
The hapless youngsters, who recently bought the boat on eBay, got into trouble again when their speedboat ran dry while drifting from Langstone Harbour towards Hayling Island. Luckily, they were spotted before being swept out into busy shipping lanes – a potential disaster narrowly avoided.
When the fuel ran out, one teen swam ashore to get petrol – but forgot a crucial item: a container to carry it in. With no way to refuel, the crew put out a distress call. RNLI lifeboat crews, who were training nearby, responded quickly to save them.
Third Time’s the Charm? Not For These Reckless Boaters
This isn’t their first marine meltdown. Two weeks ago, the same boat’s engine caught fire near Lee-on-the-Solent, sparking a rescue effort from Coastguards and lifeboat crews. Just last weekend, the engine blazed up again on the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent, forcing another call for help.
A local fisherman, who witnessed this latest rescue, slammed the group for their foolhardy antics. He said (requesting anonymity):
“This is not a joke. There’s nothing funny about putting lives at risk. Every lifeboat launch costs thousands – these lads are wasting public money and risking their lives.”
RNLI Warns: Get Trained or Stay Ashore!
RNLI Portsmouth lifeboat spokesman Aaron Gent urged the young crew and others to get proper training before heading out:
“We always urge people to be prepared. Check local conditions, tell a friend your plans, and carry the right safety gear. Knowing how to use a VHF radio is vital – it’s how lifeboats can detect and track your signal.”
After rescuing the group, the RNLI crew treated one young man for hypothermia, but thankfully no one needed hospital treatment.
Respect the Water Campaign Takes Aim at Accidents
This month marks the start of the RNLI’s “Respect the Water” campaign, aiming to halve accidental coastal deaths by 2024. In 2015 alone, lifeboats launched more than 1,200 times to motorboats in trouble – mainly due to machinery failure and running out of fuel.
For more info on how to stay safe at sea, search “Respect the Water” or visit RNLI.org/RespectTheWater.
