At the height of Summer and with the life-saving rescue of an 8-year-old boy still fresh in the minds of Islanders, vandals have targeted Ryde Inshore Rescue rendering both of the volunteer service’s lifeboats out of action and putting lives in danger.
Shockingly, it has been revealed by the independent service tonight (Monday) that their main lifeboat, Ryde Rescue 1, has been stabbed approximately 14 times with the smaller (but just as vital) Ryde Rescue 2 having been stabbed approximately 8 times, putting both lifeboats out of action for the foreseeable future.
Ryde Inshore Rescue are 1 of the 60 independent lifeboat stations in the United Kingdom, with a purpose to prevent the loss of life at sea and promote sea safety by education and training. The service is manned and run entirely by volunteers, who are on call 24/7, 365 days a year and are ready to launch at the request of Solent Coastguard, covering an area of roughly 3 mile radius around Ryde.
During 2013, Ryde’s lifeboats and crew saved a total of 97 people. Last month the lifeboat undoubtedly saved the life of an 8-year-old Island boy who, without the assistance of Ryde Inshore Rescue, would have lost his life at sea.
It is believed the incident occurred sometime between 17:00 last night (Sunday 20th) and 18:00 tonight (Monday 21st). Just yesterday afternoon the lifeboat crew assisted Police and Coastguard Rescue Teams in searching for a missing girl, who thankfully was located safe and well.
The attack comes as Martin Groom, Station Officer for Bembridge Coastguard, today warned beach goers and boat users to take extra care at the seaside and out on the Solent. Read Martin’s vital advice at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/news/take-extra-care-urge-coastguardtake-extra-care-urge-coastguard
The inshore rescue service have tonight reminded parents that if you are down the beach with your children, be watchful as they are not able to assist.
Anyone with any information are asked to contact Ryde Inshore Rescue on 01983 564564 or by leaving a message on their Facebook page. Alternatively, the Police can be contacted directly on 101.
You can donate to Ryde Inshore Rescue by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/rydeinshorerescue/.
