A trio of sailors were rescued by Cowes RNLI last week after distress flares were spotted during rough night-time conditions in the central Solent.
Cowes RNLI volunteers had just completed a training exercise on 2nd February and were recovering the lifeboat Sheena Louise when shore crew spotted a red distress flare in the Solent.
At the same time, a DSC emergency alert was received on the lifeboat’s VHF radio. Contact was made with HM Coastguard, who tasked the crew to assist three people aboard a 7.2-metre rigid inflatable boat that had suffered engine failure.
The lifeboat relaunched within five minutes, heading straight back out into difficult conditions caused by strong wind over tide. Crews reported wave heights of around three metres and poor visibility in darkness.
Using further distress flares as a guide, the RNLI crew located the stricken vessel. After consultation with HM Coastguard, all three casualties were transferred safely onto the lifeboat and brought ashore to Cowes RNLI station.
The sailors were given dry clothing and kept under medical observation by members of the lifeboat crew and the Needles Coastguard Rescue Team, before later returning to the mainland by ferry.
The disabled vessel was monitored overnight by HM Coastguard and a local pilot boat before being recovered by Bembridge RNLI. Bembridge’s all-weather lifeboat Alfred Albert Williams towed the boat to Cowes, with the Cowes lifeboat remaining afloat in the harbour to assist the operation.
The Sheena Louise and her crew finally returned to station at 22:50.
Cowes RNLI helm Jack Banks said:
“We launched in challenging conditions, with large waves and low visibility at night. With a highly experienced crew on the lifeboat, we were able to effectively locate the casualty vessel and recover its crew.
“Our utmost priority is the safety of our crew and the persons we are tasked to assist. We are glad that whilst we returned the casualties to Cowes, Bembridge RNLI’s crew were able to retrieve their vessel. This is what we train for, and a great example of the RNLI’s ability to deploy a variety of assets and work alongside other agencies to ensure the safety of people at sea.”
Cowes RNLI volunteers were called out again last night (Sunday) after reports of red flares being seen in Gurnard Bay. Following a full search that found no vessel in distress, the crew were stood down by HM Coastguard.
RNLI crews are reminding the public that red distress flares should only be used in genuine emergencies, as misuse can divert volunteer rescue teams away from real incidents. Old or unwanted flares should be disposed of safely by contacting Cowes Harbour Commission at Kingston Boatyard or Shepherds Marina.
Why were these idiots even out in the awful weather? They put the RNLI peoples lives at risk! Do these people actually have brains they are very lucky they were rescued.