STRANDED RIB TOWED TO SAFETY BY COWES RNLI LIFEBOAT

The volunteer crew of Cowes RNLI lifeboat went to the rescue of a man whose plan for a short sea trip came to a sudden halt last night (Thursday). As a result of engine trouble, the lone skipper’s RIB began to take on water. He alerted Solent Coastguard who in turn requested the launch of Cowes Lifeboat at around 17:00. The lifeboat rendezvoused with the RIB to the West of the Beaulieu River entrance. Although the lifeboat took a pump with them, it was discovered that the RIB’s own pump had carried out the required water discharge. All that was left for the lifeboat to do was carry out an alongside tow, eventually delivering the RIB – which was travelling from Hamble to Beaulieu – to East Cowes Marina. The lifeboat returned to station at 18:35.