Bembridge RNLI lifeboat launched to investigate reports of an unmanned rubber dinghy drifting off the East coast of the Isle of Wight this morning (Monday).
Solent Coastguard was alerted to the find by Dutch warship HNLMS Tromp shortly before 11:30, with Bembridge’s All Weather Lifeboat launching down the slipway by 11:45.
Conditions were very benign so it did not take long for the lifeboat to locate and recover the unmanned dinghy near to The Nab Tower.
The ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ returned back to the Offshore Boathouse and was recovered by 12:30.
Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat was also requested to launch this morning as part of a separate incident.
Solent Coastguard received reports of a life raft floating in the Solent, raising concerns that persons may be in the water.
The crew were mustered at 10:20, however, the volunteer lifeboat crew were stood down when it was established the life raft was connected to an incident on Sunday.
That will be another 15 illegals in the country then. Wonder how much next year’s council tax will go up to house them.