Brave volunteer lifeboat crews at Bembridge RNLI launched into ferocious seas this morning (Friday) as stormy weather battered the Isle of Wight, with conditions so severe that the lifeboat has been unable to return to its station.
Despite the challenging conditions, the All Weather Lifeboat was launched at around 09:00, with dramatic video footage showing the vessel heading out into towering waves amid the horrendous conditions brought by Storm Austen.
It is understood that the launch was in response to concerns for the welfare of a person on the cliff edge at Culver Down. The individual was talked down by first responders shortly after the lifeboat launched.
With the emergency over, the lifeboat headed for home. However, the sea conditions are so rough that the lifeboat has been unable to rehouse at the Offsore Boathouse off Lane end.
VIDEO: The moment Bembridge Lifeboat hits the water during Storm Austen – Video thanks to Laura Sterling
Instead, the vessel has been forced to seek shelter in Cowes Harbour, where it will remain until conditions improve sufficiently for it to return to station.
The dramatic launch comes as the Isle of Wight experiences a day of significant weather disruption, with fallen trees, cancelled ferry sailings and the closure of several attractions.
As previously reported by Island Echo, IW Met Service extended its yellow weather warning until 20:00 tonight, with gusts of up to 60mph forecast and the possibility of winds exceeding 70mph.
The severe weather has also seen Hovertravel suspend its services and Wightlink cancel a number of sailings, including the suspension of its FastCat service.
