FRENCH YACHT TOWED TO SAFETY AFTER COLLIDING WITH FLOATING BRIDGE CHAINS

A yacht that collided with the chains of the Cowes Floating Bridge led to the launch of a lifeboat early this morning (Sunday). At around 06:00, a 38ft French yacht’s prow caught on a chain on the east side of the River Medina. The situation meant the floating bridge could have been out of action for some time because of the ebbing tide. The lifeboat carried out an alongside tow to carefully free the yacht and its crew of 3. The casualty vessel was taken to Shepards Marina to have its hull inspected for possible damage. Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams also attended the incident, alongside a Cowes Harbour Commission launch.