Cowes RNLI Lifeboat was one of three lifeboats that converged on a motor cruiser yesterday afternoon (Monday) which sent out a distress call after the crew feared it was on fire.
The 40ft Starspeed was in mid-Solent between Browndown and Kings Quay when black smoke emitted from its engine area. To the scene raced Cowes RNLI lifeboat, which had been on a training exercise, and the lifeboats from Hamble and Gosport.
It was eventually discovered that the smoke was caused by a spilt oil close to one of the two engines. But there was no fire.
The motor cruiser later continued on its way to Poole, using just one of the engines.
The first Mayday was sent out around 15:00 and the lifeboats were on the scene within just a few minutes.
