RNLI Lifeboat Launched After Distress Call Off Solent
Bembridge RNLI sprung into action at 1.40pm today after Solent Coastguard picked up a Mayday call from a vessel reportedly taking on water and sinking.
All Hands on Deck: Multiple Rescue Teams Mobilised
The Tamar-class lifeboat RNLB Alfred Albert Williams raced out along with Portsmouth RNLI, Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue, and Coastguard helicopter Rescue 175. The distress signal came from an unknown boat somewhere near Cowes in choppy mid-Solent waters, with a Force 6 westerly breeze rocking the waves.
False Alarm as No Sinking Vessel Found
Despite a thorough search, the lifeboat found no trace of the sinking craft. As it made its way back towards the Offshore Boathouse, near Seaview, the crew got a new call. An 11-metre yacht had gone aground on the Bramble Bank.
Heading towards Gilkicker Point, the lifeboat was stood down again when the yacht confirmed it was safe and didn’t need help with the rising tide. The Alfred Albert Williams was back on shore by 4.15pm, ending the afternoon’s drama.
