Cowes RNLI lifeboat launched to assist an 18ft open boat with engine failure on the Ryde Middle Bank just east of Cowes yesterday evening (Friday).
The 3 young men on board the casualty vessel had minimal safety equipment, but were able to alert the Coastguard to their plight via mobile phone at just before 20:30.
Once the lifeboat had located the boat, a tow was established and both the boat and crew were towed to the safety of a pontoon in Cowes Harbour.
Coastguard Officers from Newport Initial Response Team met the 3 youngsters to issue advice on the appropriate gear to carry on board a boat at sea.
