Reports of a fire aboard a RIB just outside Cowes Harbour led to the launching of Cowes RNLI lifeboat earlier this evening (Wednesday).
The occupants of the boat – a man and a woman – reported the emergency at around 18:30 when they were just off the harbour breakwater.
The couple put the fire out with an extinguisher before the first outside assistance arrived, provided by a training vessel. Although the training vessel started towing the RIB, this task was soon taken over by Cowes RNLI with the RIB taking onboard lifeboat crew member Mat Randall.
Lifeboat helm Ady Stothard kept Cowes Harbourmaster and Solent Coastguard informed of the on-going situation, including when optimism turned to renewed concern as smoke suddenly emitted from the RIB’s electrics.
It was decided that the safest option would be to beach the RIB on the shore west of Cowes Castle and await the arrival of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
After retained firefighters from Cowes had checked over the vessel the RIB was towed to Trinity Landing by Cowes Lifeboat.
