It was a busy day for Bembridge RNLI yesterday (Sunday) with 3 shouts involving the All Weather Lifeboat.
The first was at 13:05 to a 38ft yacht with 2 people on board that reported that it had got something wrapped around its propeller off Nettlestone Point. On arrival on the scene the lifeboat crew ascertained that although the obstruction was not in fact around the propeller, the saildrive leg was snagged which meant the yacht was unable to move. Using a grapple, the obstruction was located and the yacht freed.
The lifeboat escorted her into Bembridge Harbour to be subsequently checked for damage before the Alfred Albert Williams was then re-housed and ready for service by 14:30.
The second was an immediate launch at around 17:15 to assist a 50ft yacht with 2 people on board reported to be taking in water in the main shipping channel between No Mans Land & Horse Sand Forts. On arrival on scene and in conjunction with Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue, it was ascertained that the yacht was not fact in danger of sinking but to be on the safe side they escorted her into Gosport Marina.
Before returning to station the third shout of the day was received as the lifeboat was leaving Portsmouth. The volunteer crew of Bembridge RNLI were diverted to assist a 31ft angling boat with 2 people on board that had broken down in the entrance to Langstone Harbour. On arrival on scene near Langstone Fairway Post the angling boat was taken in tow and towed back to her mooring just inside Langstone Harbour. The Alfred Albert Williams then returned to Bembridge and was re-housed by 20:00.
