A man and 2 children have been rescued by Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat some 500m out to sea in a small rubber dinghy tonight (Wednesday).
Passing Police officers spotted the trio a significant distance off of Shanklin Seafront and alerted HM Coastguard shortly before 21:30.
Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat was tasked to the scene and quickly located the individuals in the fading light.
The tourists were escorted ashore and met by Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team, who gave vital safety advice to the family.
Island Echo understands the dinghy was equipped with nothing more than a single oar.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
Darwin’s observation number two….. almost..
What an idiot
We should stop interfering and just let nature take its course.
Muppets! Putting kids lives at risk.
Your lucky family don’t have to arrange 3 funerals.
UK needs to ban sale of these garden toys