An ocean rowing boat reported to be in difficulty against a strong tide and a Force 5 westerly breeze off St Catherine’s Point led to a joint rescue effort involving 3 lifeboats and a Coastguard Rescue Team yesterday evening (Wednesday).
At around 15:30, Solent Coastguard requested the launch of Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat to locate and assist the ocean-going rowing boat ‘Sarabi’ which had suffered rudder failure South of St Catherine’s Point. The volunteer lifeboat crew made their way to the most Southerly point of the Isle of Wight and eventually located the casualty vessel with 4 persons on board.
A tow was established but with fears of the boat capsizing, the decision was made to request the assistance of Bembridge RNLI. The All Weather Lifeboat was soon launched and was on scene off the coast of Ventnor by 17:48, where the all-female rowing boat crew were safely transferred on board.
The 4 women are set to take part in a cross-Atlantic row in December under the name ‘There She Rows’ as part of the World’s Toughest Row – a 3,000-mile, unassisted row across the Atlantic Ocean.
They were taken to Bembridge RNLI’s offshore boat house, where officers from Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team were on hand to provide assistance. The women were provided with food and water.
Meanwhile, Sandown Lifeboat towed the rowing boat to a mooring in the calmer waters off Sandown. Then, at around 19:00, Bembridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched and proceeded to Sandown to continue the tow of the rowing boat to Bembridge Harbour.
The casualty vessel arrived in the safe haven of Bembridge Harbour by 20:30, where the 4 women had been taken by Coastguard Rescue Officers to be reunited with their boat.
The incident was brought to a close by 21:15 – almost 6 hours after the alarm was raised.
In March 2022, GB Row Challenge – another ocean-going rowing boat – got into difficulty whilst training off the Isle of Wight.
Watching the rescue from the comfort of my garden bench it looked like there was a swell of no more than a metre or so, according to the ladies There She Rows they’re anticipating waves up to 40 feet. This does not bode well, maybe need to pack a spare rudder.
well that went well then….. stick to dry land ladies lol
Could happen mid Atlantic Lucky Lady’s
Take it as a sign. Think of something else to occupy your time.