UPDATED: Bembridge RNLI and Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat are this morning (Wednesday) assisting a motor cruiser that is taking on water just a few hundred yards off Sandown Beach.
Solent Coastguard requested the launch of Sandown’s independent lifeboat at around 08:00 following a call for help from those onboard the casualty vessel, ‘Chamos’.
Attempts are being made to pump water out of the boat to counteract the ingress and a tow is being established between the motor cruiser and Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat.
Sandown Lifeboat is assisting with the transfer of crew members having initially begun the pumping out.
Conditions on scene are challenging for the volunteer lifeboat crew, not only because of a heavy swell, but bitterly cold conditions too.
UPDATE @ 10:28 – A tow has been successfully established and the casualty vessel is being towed to Bembridge Harbour by Bembridge RNLI.
UPDATE @ 13:43 – In a change of plan, Bembridge Lifeboat has taken the casualty vessel to Haslar Marina in Gosport, where they have been met by Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team.
The volunteer lifeboat crew are now waiting for an appropriate time to rehouse the lifeboat at Bembridge.
