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UPDATED: Crime scene investigators are this morning (Tuesday) at Ryde Inshore Rescue in Appley carrying out an investigation into the puncturing of the volunteer service’s two lifeboats, which has rendered them out of service.
As reported by Island Echo last night, vandals have forced Ryde Inshore Rescue to halt operations after both Ryde Rescue 1 and Ryde Rescue 2 RIBs were damaged between 17:00 on Sunday and 18:00 last night, putting lives in danger.
Despite a repair attempt by Bembridge Outboards yesterday evening, the lifeboats are not completely holding air meaning further repairs must be attempted. Failing that, the craft may have to be retubed at a cost of over £10,000.
A forensic officer is dusting the scene for fingerprints and any other vital clues as to who has caused the unforgivable damage.
UPDATE @ 12:55 – Work is underway this afternoon to get the two lifeboats ready for service and back into the water, however, fears are growing that the life-saving vessels may be out of service throughout the busy Summer period.
Assessments are now due to be carried out by experts and Ryde Rescue’s insurance company to ascertain whether or not the two RIBs are fit for service. Should it be deemed that they are not, full repairs will need to be undertaken which could take up to 6 weeks. In the meantime, further temporary patches are required following the discovery of another stab hole today.
The earliest the lifeboats can be ready for service is tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, Ryde’s beaches are crowded with tourists and local sun-seekers.
Amazingly, whilst Island Echo was reporting at the scene, a staggering donation of £1000 was given by a member of the public, just one example of how the Island is supporting the independent station following this week’s disastrous news.
Speaking about their current situation, Senior Helm Adrian Farrell told Island Echo:
Ryde Inshore Rescue is made up of volunteers and is separate from the RNLI, meaning it receives no funding from the national charity. Both the station and lifeboat are run from public funds and the crew give up their time to save the lives of others. In addition, school children are educated on sea safety and are taught from a young age about the dangers that the sea can pose.
Appley Beach, which the lifeboat station overlooks, has been at the centre of a number of high-profile stories in recent years with the lifeboat undoubtedly saving the life of an 8-year-old boy just last month. During 2013, Ryde Inshore Rescue saved a total of 93 people
PC Sam Burrows, who is leading the investigation into the vandalism, has this afternoon said:
“We’d like to speak to anyone who may have information in relation to upwards of £10,000 worth of damage to boats belonging to Ryde Inshore Rescue.
“This thoughtless act means that Ryde Inshore Rescue is unable to launch craft at present. Any response times to incidents will be at least doubled and will put a strain on rescue services both on the Island and the mainland.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Burrows at Ryde by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.
