UPDATED: A search and rescue operation was launched in Cowes this morning after a number of 999 calls to Solent Coastguard reported shouting coming from the Solent, as fears grew that someone was in difficulty.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from The Needles, Cowes RNLI lifeboat and the Cowes Harbour Master raced to the scene near to the Red Jet terminal shortly after 09:30, where it was discovered a small fishing vessel, the 12ft Mineve, had capsized and two persons were in the ice-cold water.
The volunteer crew of Cowes RNLI plucked the two fisherman from the Solent near to West Bramble Buoy before transferring them to paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service at Town Quay.
Amazingly, one of the 999 calls made came from Lepe Spit on the mainland, while another came from Gurnard. The wind direction was just right to allow members of the public to hear the cries for help over the long distance.
UPDATE @ 13:30 – Both fisherman have been taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Newport this morning after originally setting off from Buckler’s Hard near Beaulieu.
It is understood that both men ended up in the water after the boat became unbalanced whilst trying to raise the anchor.
One person is said to have suffered from the effects of hypothermia after being in the water for around 30 minutes, however is making an encouraging recovery.
The vessel has been towed to shore with the assistance of the Harbour Master.
Dave Lewis from Cowes Harbour Authority said:
“The men had been in the water for over half an hour, and were starting to suffer from the cold quite badly when we arrived,” he said. “One was diabetic and neither was wearing lifejackets. I was very relieved that the lifeboat joined us on the scene so quickly.”
Vehicle Photo by Daniel Poole
The incident was revealed by Island Echo earlier this morning.
