Multiple emergency services have worked together to respond to reports of a boat on fire in the Solent off Cowes this morning (Saturday).
HM Coastguard tasked Cowes RNLI Lifeboat at around 11:00 this morning after receiving an emergency call from a vessel which reported a fire onboard. Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams were also paged to respond.
Within minutes, the Cowes lifeboat crew were ready to launch their inshore lifeboat, but luckily for the casualty vessel, aid and support was already being given by the Cowes Harbour Patrol.
Coastguard Rescue Teams responded to Trinity Landing to meet the vessel and its crew which had been towed by the harbour patrol to safety. The fire – which was out upon arrival at the landing was then assessed by the retained Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service from Cowes fire station for any signs of potential further ignition or hot spots.
The skipper of the vessel was subsequently given words of advice by Coastguard Rescue Officers. It’s not thought that any injuries were sustained during the incident.
Did it really need the Coastguard Rescue Teams from Ventnor and Bembridge tearing across the Island when Cowes Harbour Patrol and the Fire Brigade obviously had things in hand.
Hope they’re insurance covers the wasted time and risk of life for what the RNLI do for this lot.Pink gin and salmon sandwiches.Hope they donate to a to a life saving cause.
I completely concur with JHVF.
Especially after witnessing the over taking by the HMCG vehicles responding to yesterday’s call at Cowes. Which the persons onboard the vessel towed in by the RNLI were not in need of any immediate first aid. Their erratic driving was only to assist in tying the vessel to a berth. I read only a few months back volunteers of HMCG were in the Dock re their driving. The CG vehicle driver even said he knew CG volunteers have no exemptions of road laws. Looks like that was soon forgotten by others, so
just another accident waiting to happen!