Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat was launched this morning (Monday) to locate and recover a 65-man life raft that was activated in error by the Hayling Ferry.
The Tamar-class lifeboat was launched down the slipway at Bembridge at around 09:30 after Solent Coastguard were alerted to a lift raft floating around on the Solent – but that no persons were in danger.
It had been confirmed that the life raft had been accidentally activated by the Hayling Ferry.
Conditions were not very pleasant for the volunteer lifeboat crew with a bitterly cold Force 6 come Force 7 North Westerly wind.
Having found the life raft in the region of Nab East buoy, it was Initially taken under a stern tow, however, it took on water so it was transferred to an alongside tow with a salvage pump keeping it afloat.
Bembridge Lifeboat then took the raft into Langstone Harbour and made fast to the ferry pontoon.
The ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ returned to Bembridge and was recovered by midday.
Why is the Lifeboat being used for salvage? The identity and source of this liferaft were known, and no lives were at risk. This was a salvage operation. I support the RNLI but will stop my donations if misuse of this charity continues.