UPDATED: RNLI lifeboats from Bembridge and Cowes have rushed to the aid of a vessel with a reported on-board fire this afternoon (Monday).
Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) was tasked to launch at the request of Solent Coastguard at 14:53 following reports of a fire on board a yacht near to Beaulieu River.
A short time later Cowes RNLI inshore lifeboat was also tasked to the incident.
It has been established that there is no fire present and that smoke seen is in fact steam. All on board ‘Cara’ are well.
The boat is being escorted into Trinity Landing in Cowes by Cowes RNLI lifeboat, where she will be met by Newport Coastguard Initial Response Team.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have been stood down from attending.
Bembridge RNLI’s ALB has now returned to station.
UPDATE @ 18:00 – It has been confirmed that the 34ft ‘Cara’ left Island Harbour on the River Medina prior to the Christchurch couple aboard sighting the cabin filled with what they perceived to be smoke.
It was initially thought that the casualty yacht was off Seaview – prompting the launch of Bembridge RNLI – however it eventually transpired that the yacht was in fact off Egypt Point between Cowes and Gunard.
According to Cowes RNLI, when the 2 lifeboats arrived on the scene Cowes RNLI ferried Bembridge Lifeboat’s mechanic over to the casualty yacht who then in turn reported that the ‘smoke’ was in fact steam caused by escaping water from a broken pipe dropping on to the engine.
As Bembridge Lifeboat left the scene to return to its station, Cowes crewman Alasdair Boden was put on board to take the Cara’s helm, making use of a furling genoa sail and a brisk westerly to take her into Cowes Harbour.
