Concern that a crippled yacht could be in the path of a cruise liner gave Cowes RNLI lifeboat an even more urgent reason to go to its aid yesterday evening (Thursday).
Whilst the lifeboat was on exercise, at around 19:45, Solent Coastguard alerted the crew to reports that a 20ft yacht had suffered a steering failure in the shipping channel near North-East Gurnard Buoy.
After ensuring that a Southampton Harbour patrol launch in the area warned an approaching cruise ship about the yacht, the lifeboat began an alongside tow to Cowes; meanwhile the harbour launch provided an escort to reduce the wake in what were lively sea conditions.
The yacht, with 4 people on board, was duly delivered to Trinity Landing and the lifeboat returned to station at 20:45.
