For the second time in just 2 months Cowes RNLI had to rescue a local boat selling ice cream to yachtsmen out on the Solent yesterday (Friday).
Last time the skipper of the 26ft Wootton-based Solent Ice Cream Boat told Solent Coastguard the vessel had engine trouble and it was duly towed back to Wootton.
On this occasion however, the extra cool boat had suffered a propeller malfunction. The lifeboat crew was asked by the skipper to tow the craft to Island Harbour in the River Medina, where he planned to have his troublesome boat lifted out for a thorough inspection.
Newport Coastguard Initial Response Team met the casualty vessel and lifeboat crew at the shore.
Mark Harker, the lifeboat helm, said:
“I think he was a little embarrassed to call on the lifeboat again. But at least he turned down potential customers from a passing RIB when we began the tow, although he did previously offer free cornets to our crew!”
The lifeboat launched at 16:24 and arrived back at station at 18:20.
