Ryde’s independent lifeboat was part of a search and rescue operation to locate 5 persons on board a boat that was taking on water in the Solent yesterday (Sunday).
HM Coastguard were alerted by a 999 call yesterday lunchtime to a small speed boat taking on water after suffering an engine failure, but the occupants of the casualty vessel were unable to give a precise location to the emergency services due to having no positioning equipment or navigational aids.
A full search of the Solent area was launched by Solent Coastguard involving Portsmouth RNLI, Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, Hamble Lifeboat and Ryde Inshore Rescue.
The small boat and its occupants were eventually sighted just off the East Cowes coast by Coastguard Rescue 104 helicopter, who directed in lifeboats. The casualties were transferred to Hamble lifeboat, where the paramedic from the Coastguard helicopter carried out initial medical assessments.
The 5 people were taken to Lee-on-the-Solent, where they were met by Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team and an ambulance from the South Central Ambulance Service.
