Cowes RNLI’s annual all-female launch took an unexpected turn on Wednesday morning when the volunteer crew were diverted from a training exercise to assist a sailor who had been struck by their boat’s boom.
The all-female crew had launched at 09:00 as part of the station’s annual ‘Ladies Launch’ – a long-standing Cowes Week tradition in which every operational role, from Launch Authority and shore crew to boat crew, is carried out by women.
However, at 11:10, while training in the Solent, HM Coastguard requested the lifeboat’s assistance after a sailor suffered a head injury around 1 mile north of the moored naval guard ship.
The crew responded immediately before the incident was resolved and the lifeboat returned to station at 11:30, where volunteers washed down the boat and made it ready for service.
The annual Ladies Launch brought together 28 women from across the RNLI, including volunteers from Cowes, Bembridge and Yarmouth lifeboat stations, as well as members of the visits, water safety and fundraising teams.
The event provides an opportunity for female volunteers to celebrate their contribution to the charity while showcasing the range of operational and support roles available within the RNLI.
During the morning, long-serving volunteer Anne Simkin was recognised for 10 years of service to Cowes RNLI.
Anne joined the station in 2016 as shore crew before progressing to boat crew. Although a back injury ended her time at sea just weeks before her helm assessment, she went on to become one of the station’s Launch Authorities in 2019, taking on the responsibility of deciding when the lifeboat should be launched in an emergency.
Anne is due to step down from the station next month.
Jennifer Hastings was also recognised for her long service with the station’s visits team, having volunteered since 2014. She too will be stepping down later this year.
Anne Simkin, Launch Authority, has said:
“Cowes RNLI station is at the forefront of RNLI efforts to create an inclusive and diverse environment where volunteers of all backgrounds can contribute to saving lives at sea.
“I am so proud to have been part of that journey for ten years. I will miss the wonderful people who make up our station, and look forward to seeing many more launches like today’s.”
