Benign conditions on the Solent and convenient timing allowed Bembridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat to respond to reports of 3 people in difficulty off Ryde at great speed earlier this evening (Tuesday).
At 18:52, Solent Coastguard tasked the volunteers of Bembridge RNLI to launch to go to the aid of 3 individuals reported to be in difficulty between Ryde Harbour and Ryde Pier Head.
Tuesday evening happens to be Bembridge’s training night, so the crew were already on station and were able to launch the D-class lifeboat swiftly. The convenient timing, married with flat waters, meant that the lifeboat was on scene in no time at all.
Thankfully, by the time the lifeboat had reached Ryde – as had Coastguard Rescue Officers from Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team – the situation had been resolved.
The 3 casualties – all children – are understood to have unexpectedly stepped off a sandbank before a passing paddleboarder rescued them and took them ashore.
Bembridge Lifeboat put a man onto the beach to conduct a welfare check on the youngsters alongside Coastguards.
The ‘Norman Harvey’ and her crew of 3 were stood down and returned to Lane End to be re-housed by 19:45.
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