Vehicular access to Ryde Pier remains closed this morning (Sunday) following an incident last night which saw a sailing boat collide with the historic structure.
As first reported by Island Echo, lifeboats from Calshot RNLI and Ryde Inshore Rescue responded at around 19:30 yesterday to reports that a large vessel had got into difficulty on the western side of Ryde Pier. Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team was also scrambled to the scene.
Emergency services arrived in Ryde to find the vessel in amongst a number of structural supports that were once part of the main pier structure. A man and his dog, who were onboard the casualty vessel, were safely landed on the pier.
However, as darkness fell, the boat was pushed further towards the pier.
VIDEO: Aerial footage thanks to Rob H.
The bow now sits underneath the main promenade, its mast keeping it from going further under.
As a precautionary measure access to the pier for all traffic has been closed. This includes for Island Line rail replacement minibuses. Pedestrian access is maintained by the new walkway and Wightlink says that its services continue to operate as normal.
It’s understood that efforts will soon get underway to remove the stricken vessel and recover it to nearby Ryde Harbour. It is unknown when vehicular access is likely to be reinstated.
It’s thought that the same vessel was involved in an incident near the Beaulieu River on Wednesday morning. Lymington RNLI lifeboat responded to the 40ft vessel going aground at Needs Ore Point.
It’s unknown why the lifeboats didn’t tow the boat clear yesterday.
UPDATE @ 09:48 – Ryde Pier has now reopened to all traffic following the successful removal of the boat by Rebel Marine.
Ban him/her from the seas.
If he was driving a car and crashed he would have been breathalysed and band especially as this is his second incident in a short time. Shame you can’t ban them off the water.
Left hand down a bit.
Yes why didn’t Life boat’s pull it away instead of causing disruption for so many. Looks like people wanting to make money out of someone’s accident.
Because akkl lifeboat crews were out all day attending accidents which kept on occurring!!! During The Race and you seem to forget they are volunteers as well!! They don’t actually have to attend anything especially a skipper who clearly couldn’t sail his yacht for peanuts!
Is this not the same OAP that was doing doughnuts in his boat last month?
Very odd that the lifeboat from Ryde Inshore Rescue didn’t remove the vessel from the stantions. Surely it would cause further issues if not secured or removed at the time!
Should be charged for this, especially if the same thing happened earlier in the week at Lymington.
Did the sailing boat not see the pier, or was the old sea dog sailing the boat.
Please be kind. I hope the chap and his dog are okay. It looks as if his yacht is his home and he is no longer able to handle her as he once did. A few volunteers’ including me could help. Just remember to be thoughtful when commenting. Help instead.
Some people will keep driving their boat into a pier than accept help. Not the first time! What more do you want people to do for someone who won’t help themselves.
‘Erbalists at the helm
A complete over reaction.