A broken mast and a rope wrapped around the propeller of an ocean-going yacht led to the launch of Bembridge Lifeboat this afternoon (Thursday).
At 12:35, Solent Coastguard requested the launch of the All Weather Lifeboat from Bembridge to assist an ex-Volvo 2008-2009 Round the World competitor ‘Telefonica Black’ that had made a Pan-Pan call.
The stricken vessel was said to be located to the West of No Mans Land Fort with 6 crew onboard.
Pilot Boat Mayflower was first on the scene and established a tow, however, having assessed the options, it was agreed that the Lifeboat ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ would tow the Telefonica Black to her berth in Gunwharf.
Once inside Portsmouth harbour, the astern tow tow was transferred to an alongside tow to make it easier to bring the yacht alongside the pontoon.
On completion the Alfred Albert Williams and her crew returned safely back to Bembridge and were rehoused by 15:00 – completing their 24th shout of the year.
