Lifeboats from Ryde and Bembridge have been launched to assist a yacht in difficulty in gale force winds off Ryde Sands this morning (Monday).
Volunteers are putting themselves in danger to go to the aid of the 40ft yacht, which is listing to one side having run aground to the north of Appley.
Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent is hovering overhead keeping a sharp overwatch on the situation.
Ryde Inshore Rescue’s Rescue 1 lifeboat is currently battling the elements to reach the casualty vessel, with Bembridge’s much larger All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) powering around from Bembridge. The lifeboats were tasked to launch by Solent Coastguard at around 10:50 when a member of the public on the shore at Ryde dialled 999.
UPDATE @ 11:18 – Both lifeboats have safely made it to the scene of the incident, but conditions are less than favourable. Strong winds and large waves are smashing against the boats.
It appears the casualty vessel has been able to free itself from the sands and is making some progress towards the mainland.
UPDATE @ 11:30 – Bembridge Lifeboat is now escorting the yacht into the safety of Portsmouth Harbour.
Meanwhile, Ryde Rescue 1 has returned to Appley and has been safely recovered onto the launch trailer.
Coastguard Rescue 175 has also stood down from the incident and has returned to base.
UPDATE @ 13:15 – It has been confirmed that the casualty vessel – a 40ft yacht with 4 persons onboard – has safely made it to Gosport Marina after refloating on the incoming tide.
Throughout the shout, Chimet was recording a Westerly Force 8 gale, gusting to Force 9.
Bembridge Lifeboat has now returned to the offshore boathouse, bringing an end to the incident.
What the hell does the yachty think he is doing putting to sea in his yacht in this weather. Hope he pays for the call out.
It infuriates me!! What the hell are they doing out at sea in force 8 gale!!
Presumably a suicide attempt !!!
Or maybe a cry for help.
what sort of idiot puts a small yacht to sea in this weather risking the lives of the lifeboat crews ??????
Well said Joe Bloggs & roe sprack
Well done to the lifeboat crew, what sort of selfish idiots go out in a yacht in this weather! I agree I hope they have to pay for the call out.
The lifeboat crew yet again risking their lives, why are people so thoughtless and selfish is beyond comprehension.
They should be billed for the call out for the services to attend as plenty of weather warning in place. Irresponsible risking other peoples life to save him, absolute idiot.
Anyone with half a brain would not go out in that kind of weather. Obviously they don’t have a brain at all. Why are they not made to pay for their inconsiderate actions that could have cost lives.
Obviously someone with mental health issues or a member of Cowes yaught club!!!Whats the difference!!!
You can’t always be a fair weather sailor. You need to learn how to sail in heavy weather. But most importantly lean your navigation. Then reef your sails.
You won’t be able to convince all the armchair experts on here who comment without even knowing the facts before they start criticising. They wouldn’t be able to grasp that there could have been a valid reason for the yacht to be out despite the bad weather. All they know is how to rant.
Couldn’t agree more with you. Experts on undereducated criticism without a shred of knowledge
So, please enlighten us landlabers,
Could you give us an example for instance of what a ” valid reason ” would be ?
you need to get into water and weather like that. If you don’t when it hits the fan you will be able to handle it. The vessel can take it. Read about fast net. It’s not an argument. That’s how it is.
The vessel can handle it? maybe, but the sailor couldn’t..
Would you be saying the same thing if a member of your family had to go out and put their lives at risk to rescue them?
fox the yacht as far as in what I see on the report it was not a mayday call or a pan pan. It was a member of the public who made the call. Anyway yachts have been sailing in waters and weather a lot more unforgiving seas.
Give the idiot in the Yacht a bill for the fuel used by both rescue vessels, and I think they should donation 10% of their Yachts value, to both the RNLI and Ryde Inshore rescue.
What a complete Moron !!
The RNLI are already one of the richest charities in the uk. Also the persons on the yacht did not call out the rescue services, it was someone on shore thinking they needed assistance.
Perhaps donate 10% of your knowledge to your thoughts before you comment…. Moron.