Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat was tasked to launch to assist a yacht that had broadcasted a Mayday call this morning (Saturday).
The yacht – situated off Wootton – had called for help after they started taking on water in the Solent.
‘Alfred Albert Williams’ was launched into service shortly after 10:30 this morning, at the request of Solent Coastguard, to assist the 35ft French Yacht ‘Isandra III’.
However, shortly after the boat hit the water, Isandra III cancelled the Mayday as they managed to stop the leak and were able to make their way to Cowes.
The All Weather Lifeboat returned to station at Bembridge and was recovered by 11:00.
Can anyone tell me why these people take to the water in these conditions? Can they read weather forecasts?
Whilst it may be rather gusty, there are people all over the world sailing in much worse conditions that you are now and it’s what they are designed to do.
It’s much less windy today than yesterday so imagine they were using this weather window to travel from one port to another.
Glad they are safe and were able to make a temporary repair and get to Cowes.
They left Gosport harbour, past Portsmouth around 0930am today and we’re heading out into the channel (perhaps France) by the looks of things and then they had to head for land (wootton then Cowes) to repair and recover. (Find ship app data)