Lifeboat crews from Cowes RNLI and Yarmouth RNLI were involved in a prolonged rescue effort yesterday (Saturday) after a 37ft yacht ran aground near Thorness Bay.
The alarm was raised just before 11:00 when the yacht put out a mayday distress call after hitting a ledge.
Cowes RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was first on scene, but was unable to reach the casualty in shallow waters.
Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat was therefore tasked, arriving just before 12:30 and deploying its smaller Y-class boat to assess the situation.
Of the 5 people on board the casualty vessel, 3 were transferred to Cowes Lifeboat Station and taken ashore by 15:00. They were met by Needles Coastguard Rescue Team, who also had Coastguard Rescue Officers keeping an eye on the situation near Gurnard Luck.
Meanwhile, the RNLI volunteers worked together to steady the vessel using its anchor in preparation for the rising tide, which would allow a refloat attempt after 16:00.
At 16:30, Cowes Lifeboat was paged again to reassess the situation. With the tide now higher, a crew member was able to board the yacht to check on the remaining 2 people and inspect for damage.
By 18:45, the yacht began to float. With its engine running and emergency tiller in place, it was carefully manoeuvred into deeper water.
Cowes RNLI escorted the vessel to Trinity Landing, arriving at approximately 20:15 – making for a 9-hour mission overall.
Richard Gregory-Pimm, full-time mechanic at Yarmouth RNLI, has said:
“The crew onboard the casualty vessel did the right thing calling for assistance. No one goes to sea and expects to be rescued and unfortunately, it is very easy to be caught out by the falling and rising tides.
“It’s always a proud moment to see firsthand the teamwork between flanking lifeboat stations during shouts like this. It perfectly demonstrates the onecrew initiative working together for the best and safest outcome.”
Myles Hussey, Cowes RNLI helm, has added:
“We are happy we were able to work with Yarmouth RNLI to make the yacht and its crew secure. This incident truly shows the value of working, and training, together with stations in the Solent, and the ability to deploy a variety of lifesaving assets.
“The crew did a great job – special recognition to Simon Banks, who recently qualified as boat crew at Cowes RNLI and whose first shout this was.”
