An open day at Cowes RNLI lifeboat station was quickly abandoned when the crew was paged with an immediate launch request this afternoon (Saturday).
HM Coastguard requested the crew to launch immediately and assist with an ongoing rescue across the Solent, about half a mile off Lepe Beach.
On arrival, Calshot RNLI Lifeboat had already rescued a family of 4 paddle boarders who had been in difficulties, including a man whose condition gave great concern.
He had consequently been airlifted to Southampton hospital by the Coastguard helicopter.
The Cowes crew collected the paddle boarding kit from a number of other boats now on scene and then gave onshore assistance to the family, alongside the Calshot lifeboat crew and Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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We listened to this rescue unfold on our VHF while sailing in the Solent. Like many others, I’d like to know how this accident happened and how the man is who was airlifted to Southampton hospital.
I would wish to thank the Volunteer Watchkeepers at National Coastwatch Stone Point (Lepe) who initiated that call to HMCG indicating a Mayday situation. These watchkeepers, all around the Solent area, and in fact all around the English and Welsh coast, are invaluable