RNLI Lifeboat Scrambles After Mayday Call – No Sign of Sinking Vessel
Bembridge RNLI’s All-Weather Lifeboat, the RNLB Alfred Albert Williams, was launched at 1.40pm today to respond to a distress signal picked up by Solent Coastguard. An unknown vessel sent a Mayday call, claiming it was taking on water and sinking.
Multiple Rescue Units Join the Hunt
- Bembridge’s Tamar-class lifeboat (16-17) set off immediately.
- Portsmouth RNLI, Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue crews were scrambled.
- A Coastguard helicopter (Rescue 175) also joined the search over the Solent.
The Alfred Albert Williams steamed towards Cowes in lumpy Force 6 southwesterly winds, searching the mid-Solent waters for any sign of the stricken vessel.
False Alarm on the Bramble Bank
With no trace of the sinking boat, the lifeboat was stood down while heading back to base. But near Seaview, it was suddenly re-tasked to assist an 11-metre yacht stuck aground on Bramble Bank.
Once on scene off Gilkicker Point, the yacht confirmed it was safe and didn’t need help thanks to the rising tide. The lifeboat returned to the Offshore Boathouse and was secured by 4.15pm.
No injuries were reported during today’s callout. The quick response shows the RNLI’s readiness to act at a moment’s notice to keep Solent waters safe.
