Cowes RNLI lifeboat launched to reports of an automatic Mayday alert being transmitted near Osborne Bay this morning (Sunday).
Solent Coastguard requested volunteers to respond at around 09:20 after a DSC alert – a type of Mayday alert issued through a vessel’s radio – was picked up in the vicinity of East Cowes.
The lifeboat quickly identified the vessel at the centre of the alert and the crew were able to confirm that a faulty radio led to the emergency response.
Just as the lifeboat was returning to Cowes, a second DSC alert was picked up in the area – near the entrance to Southampton Water. Once again the potentially critical situation was confirmed to be a false alarm due to another faulty radio.
With all souls safe and sound, the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat was stood down and was re-housed back at the home station.
