UPDATED: Bembridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat launched to a boat aground near to Bembridge Harbour earlier this afternoon (Friday).
The D-class lifeboat was tasked to launch by Solent Coastguard at around 13:05.
Following a short journey towards Bembridge Harbour, the volunteer crew of 3 discovered a sailing yacht with a bad list. After boarding the vessel the lifeboat headed into Bembridge Harbour.
It is thought the person or people on board the yacht are safe and well.
Meanwhile a call from the Coastguard at 10:18 this morning triggered the launch of Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) to go to the aid of a 19ft Cornish Shrimper in difficulty in the western Solent.
With a 20 knot wind over tide and a half metre swell, conditions were moderately hostile and the stricken vessel with 2 crew on board was left without power when its anchor was knocked overboard by a large wave, becoming entangled in the stern gear and causing mechanical failure.
Yarmouth Lifeboat quickly located the Shrimper in the busy shipping lane between Hurst and Fort Victoria. Once on scene a tow was established and the vessel was then recovered to Yarmouth Harbour. Needles Coastguard Rescue Team met the vessel and issued safety advise.
UPDATE SATURDAY – Bembridge RNLI have confirmed that the skipper of the 23ft yacht was taken to safety by a water taxi.
Unfortunately, the vessel did not refloat with the tide as expected last night. Instead it was holed and has since sunk.
