Bembridge RNLI was called to assist a stranded boat on Bembridge Ledge over the weekend, but it wasn’t one competing in the Round the Island Race.
The lifeboat was launched shortly after 19:25 on Saturday evening at the request of Solent Coastguard to assist a 34ft motor cruiser that had run aground on the ledge opposite the Crab & Lobster pub. Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked to the incident.
Upon arrival at the scene, the crew assessed the situation, deciding the water was too shallow for a tow to be carried out, instead, they called for the smaller D-class inshore lifeboat.
Once they had found that a reported leak was under control, 1 member of the lifeboat crew boarded the stranded vessel to assist its 3-strong crew. The D-Class then managed to tow the casualty vessel into deeper water, but not back to the harbour in Bembridge.
Instead, MVS Arkwright – which had been in company with the casualty vessel – towed the stranded boat all the way back to Portsmouth.
The lifeboat crew member then transferred back to the All Weather Lifeboat prior to the Norman Harvey Inshore Lifeboat returning to Lane End and being recovered 20:30.
Satisfied and assured that everything was okay the ALB then returned to the boathouse shortly after 20:45.
