The volunteer crew of Cowes RNLI lifeboat found themselves tasked to 2 jobs in the space of just several minutes yesterday afternoon (Friday).
The crew members’ pagers went off at 16:50 after the single word of ‘Mayday’ was heard over marine VHF radio – indicating a vessel in distress.
Upon request of HM Coastguard, the inshore lifeboat Sheena Louise was launched from the Cowes RNLI lifeboat station, and began its entry to the Solent from Cowes Harbour in a bid to conduct a search for any vessel in need of assistance.
Within minutes of its launch, it was tasked and diverted by HM Coastguard to assist a small boat that had been reported to have run aground in the vicinity of Calshot. Unable to find this vessel, and satisfied that it had returned safely to harbour, the lifeboat resumed its original search mission.
With a search stretching as far as Ryde and back, nothing untoward was found and no vessels were seen to be in distress.
The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station at 18:00.
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/.
Get help faster by giving emergency services your exact location by using ///what3words.
what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
