Search and rescue crews have been deployed off the coast of Bembridge tonight (Saturday) as a result of an ocean-going rowing boat running aground on Bembridge Ledge.
Shortly before 20:40, a red flare was seen in the night sky as crew members of the vessel ‘GB Row Challenger’ declared a Mayday at the most easterly point of the Isle of Wight.
Bembridge Inshore Lifeboat and Rescue 175 helicopter have both responded to the call for help, around 0.2 miles off Foreland.
The vessel is now safely under tow by Bembridge ILB, although the extent of any damage sustained is unknown.
The Coastguard Helicopter, which had been training in the West Wight, has stood down from the incident.
UPDATE @ 21:48 – The rowing boat has been towed into Bembridge Harbour, where officers from Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team have met the casualty vessel.
All 6 people on board have escaped any injury.
UPDATE @ 23:50 – It’s been confirmed that the 10m vessel was planning to anchor in Priory Bay, but ran aground on Bembridge Ledge whilst rounding Bembridge.
A spokesperson for Bembridge RNLI has tonight said:
“RNLB Alfred Albert Williams (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) was requested to launch at 8.33pm and then RNLB Norman Harvey (D-778) a few minutes later by UK (Solent Coastguard) to locate and assist a 10m ocean rowing boat with 6 crew onboard that had run aground on the Bembridge Ledge.
“In the event, it was decided to launch the Norman Harvey and for the Alfred Albert Williams to be on standby in case she was subsequently required.
“It obviously did not take the Norman Harvey long to reach the casualty vessel and having ascertained that everyone onboard was ok, she set up a tow and was able to pull the boat clear of the Ledge.
“After carrying out a dynamic risk assessment it was decided to tow the casualty vessel into Bembridge to overnight rather than to Priory Bay where she had planned to anchor for the night. Having secured her to the Visitors Pontoon, the Norman Harvey returned to Lane End and was recovered by 10.30pm.”
That’s going to be a expensive trip home.Hope they got insurance.It cost the RNLI life’s AND Donations £6000 a time there called out for these sort..
Tide tables and navigation aids are available to everyone and if they can’t understand them they shouldn’t be on the water. Hope they cover the costs of RNLI and anyone else involved.
6 chaps one plotter.
Why would you even think about value in terms of crew fatalities,and of course there is a cost for a turnout.