Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat launched to assist a waterlogged RIB in Priory Bay this afternoon (Sunday).
Solent Coastguard requested volunteers to launch the lifeboat following reports that a 7.8m Scorpion RIB – with 3 persons on board – had started to take on water in the vicinity of Priory Bay to the north of St Helens.
It’s didn’t take long for the Alfred Albert Williams Tamar-class lifeboat to launch and reach the casualty vessel, which was anchored not far from the beach when the lifeboat arrived on scene.
With a considerable amount of water on board and a flooded battery, the decision was taken to tow the vessel to nearby Bembridge Harbour.
However, just before entering the beginning of the channel, Bembridge Lifeboat was tasked to check out another small boat broken down close to St Helens Fort. The second vessel in difficulty was taken in hand by a Brading Haven Yacht Club safety boat.
With another incident potentially looming, the tow of the initial casualty was handed over to Bembridge Harbour Water Taxi.
The third incident did not develop resulting in Bembridge ALB returning to the offshore boathouse by 17:00.
