Cowes RNLI faced their busiest day of 2025 last week (Thursday 11th September), responding to 4 separate shouts between 05:45 and 21:10, with volunteers spending more than 7 hours at sea assisting those in difficulty.
The day began with the launch of the inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat at 05:45 to provide safety cover for the annual Bramble Bank cricket match – a decades-old tradition held on the exposed sandbar in the Solent between Southampton and Cowes. Crews from both Cowes and Calshot RNLI were on hand for the event, which sees teams from the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Island Sailing Club compete.
At 07:20, shortly after the match ended, the lifeboat crews were called to assist a young man suffering breathing difficulties on board a RIB at Bramble Bank. He had been playing cricket in the water and was extremely cold. Cowes RNLI were diverted to another call, so Calshot lifeboat crew – with the help of attendees at the match – transferred the man from a private RIB onto their lifeboat. He was taken to Trinity Landing where Cowes RNLI shore crew and ambulance paramedics were waiting.
Meanwhile, Cowes RNLI headed to Lepe Spit where a 30ft sailing vessel had run aground and was listing badly. Two people were onboard the casualty vessel, and with worsening sea conditions the decision was taken to tow the boat once the tide lifted it. With an RNLI crew member onboard, the vessel was successfully freed and escorted safely to the entrance of Southampton Water before Cowes lifeboat returned to station at 09:30.
Helm Libby, Cowes RNLI, has said:
“Conditions were tricky out on the Solent, with a quick shift in weather which brought strong, cold winds and lumpy seas. I am glad we were able to work with Calshot RNLI to help those who needed us. Both crews did a great job in tricky conditions and coordinated well to carry out two successful rescues. Thank you also to our shore crew in Cowes who assisted with the first casualty.”
Later in the day at 18:45, Cowes RNLI were tasked once again, this time to a RIB in difficulty off Egypt Point. Seven people had been travelling from Yarmouth to Southampton when a rogue wave swamped their vessel and cut the engine. Cowes RNLI worked alongside Yarmouth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, which had been on exercise nearby. The casualties were transferred to Yarmouth’s lifeboat to shelter, while Cowes RNLI towed the RIB back to Trinity Landing. They were met there by HM Coastguard Needles team and an ambulance.
Immediately afterwards, both Cowes and Yarmouth RNLI responded to an incident in Ryde to support police and HM Coastguard teams. The crews finally returned to Cowes at 21:10, where the lifeboat was washed down and made ready for service.
Helm Myles, Cowes RNLI, has said:
“On days like this, I am especially proud of our crew, who are all volunteers. Some of our crew responded to all four shouts, which meant spending over seven hours assisting with rescues. Thanks also to the other agencies, coastguard, paramedics, police and Calshot and Yarmouth RNLI who worked alongside us. Days like this show the strength and teamwork we build in training, which allow us to work together to save lives at sea.”
