Bembridge RNLI launched at the request of Solent Coastguard this afternoon (Tuesday) to assist a 34ft sailing yacht with a failed engine, little or no wind and worried that they were going to drift into the shipping lane.
The yacht ‘Tulip’ – with 2 crew onboard – reported being 5 miles south of Ventnor, however the casualty vessel was quickly located by Bembridge RNLI closer to the shore before being placed under tow at around 13:50.
Once off Bembridge Lifeboat Station at around 15:45, the station’s mechanic, Bryan, was transferred to the yacht and the tow continued to Portsmouth while he successfully managed to rectify the engine problem. The repair meant that ‘Tulip’ was then able to dock under her own power in Haslar Marina.
The Alfred Albert Williams all weather lifeboat returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 17:30, over 3-and-a-half hours after launching.
Featured image: Bembridge RNLI
