Two Gosport Lifeboats Race to Rescue Stranded Yacht in Portsmouth Harbour
Drama unfolded in Portsmouth Harbour late Monday night as two lifeboat crews sprang into action to rescue a 19-foot sailing vessel stuck fast in the mud.
Yacht Runs Aground in Spider Lake
The small yacht, with two people aboard, had run aground earlier in the day in the shallow waters of Spider Lake. Despite efforts to refloat the boat at high tide, the vessel remained firmly stuck.
Gosport and Fareham Lifeboats Launch Rescue
Following a 999 call to the UK Coastguard at 11:20pm, the independent lifeboat crews from Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue were swiftly deployed. Due to the very shallow water, the lighter inshore lifeboat was able to reach the vessel where the bigger Gosport lifeboat could not.
“The crew of the Inshore lifeboat managed to get close enough to help the crew off the stricken vessel which they anchored safely to return to when the tide was at its highest,” said GAFIRS coxswain Brian Pack.
“Although they were a little cold after waiting out for the tide for around eight hours, they were both safe and well and we returned them to shore at Port Solent where they soon warmed up.”
Safe and Sound After Five Hours of Rescue Efforts
The rescue operation lasted five tense hours, marking GAFIRS’ 10th and 11th callouts of the year. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The volunteer-run Gosport and Fareham Inshore Lifeboat service, based at Stokes Bay, continues to provide vital support to mariners in trouble.
A UK Coastguard spokeswoman confirmed the two lifeboats were tasked to the incident and assured that everyone involved was safe.
More updates to follow.
