Bembridge RNLI came to the rescue of a stricken fishing boat earlier today (Sunday).
The RNLB Alfred Albert Williams (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17), was launched at around 12:45 at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard to locate and assist a 16ft angling boat with 2 crew that had broken down 7 miles southeast of St Catherine’s Point.
Conditions were relatively calm, despite being hazy, so the All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) was able to reach the broken-down vessel by 13:15.
Having assessed the situation, they decided that the outboard engine was not readily repairable. Subsequently, they set up a tow to Yaverland in Sandown where the boat had set out from earlier in the day.
The tow was transferred to the All Weather Lifeboat’s Y-boat when they reached the shoreline opposite Yaverland Sailing and Boat Club.
Using the Y-boat, a small inflatable rescue rib, the casualty vessel was tugged as near to the beach as possible where there was a waiting tractor and trailer.
The Y-boat was recovered as the angling boat and her crew were safely ashore, and the Alfred Albert Williams returned to the Offshore Boathouse with the crew and boat safely rehoused just after 15:00.
A video of Bembridge ALB being recovered can be seen here, as filmed by an Island Echo reporter this afternoon.
