Bembridge Lifeboat Saves Yacht ‘Ocean Wanderer’ Drifting in Shipping Channel
Early Morning Rescue off Bembridge
The Bembridge RNLI lifeboat, RNLB Alfred Albert Williams, launched at 4.13am after the UK Solent Coastguard called for urgent help. A 41ft charter sailing yacht, Ocean Wanderer, was stranded about five miles southeast of Bembridge, drifting helplessly into a busy shipping channel.
Yacht Runs Out of Fuel with Six Crew on Board
The yacht, en route from France to the Hamble, had run completely out of fuel. With six crew members onboard facing potential danger, the lifeboat raced to the scene.
Swift Action Gets Engine Purring Again
The lifeboat arrived just 12 minutes after launch at 4.25am. A mechanic was quickly transferred to the Ocean Wanderer carrying 20 litres of fuel. After bleeding the fuel system and restarting the engine, the yacht was back in business, able to continue to the Hamble.
Safe Escort Back to Sea
The crew aboard Alfred Albert Williams escorted the yacht for a while to ensure everything was in order. By 5.15am, the lifeboat had returned safely to Bembridge, ending a textbook rescue mission.
