Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat has rushed to assist the crew of a 40ft yacht that has been struck by lightning in the Solent this afternoon (Monday).
An emergency radio call requesting assistance was received by HM Coastguard prompting the lifeboat to be launched on service.
The volunteer RNLI crew have rushed to the vessel’s position off the coast of Cranmore, to the east of Yarmouth.
4 crew members are said to be onboard the vessel. Their condition is currently unknown.
It’s understood that a PAN PAN broadcast has been made alerting nearby vessels to stay clear of the incident, with fears that a fire could develop onboard the boat following the lightning strike.
It comes as lightning has been spotted around the coast of the Isle of Wight with weather warnings in place for severe weather.
UPDATE @ 16:51 – The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has mobilised 2 appliances to standby at Yarmouth Harbour and await the stricken vessel, which is expected to arrive under tow.
Fire crews from Newport and Freshwater will assess and explore the yacht for any signs of fire upon its arrival.
UPDATE @ 17:08 -The vessel and its crew have successfully been returned to Yarmouth Harbour where they have been met by members of the Needles Coastguard Rescue Team and the fire service.
UPDATE @ 17:29 – Firefighters have completed a thorough check of the boat and have now stood down from the incident.
The electrical systems have been destroyed by the strike.
No one has been injured in this afternoon’s unusual incident, but have been left shaken.
Coxswain, Howard Lester, has said:
“The yacht’s crew had taken appropriate safety measures before setting sail, they were wearing life jackets and had an alternative means of calling for help. Having discovered their VHF radio had been disabled, they called the coastguard by telephone on 999.’
Pleased to hear no reported personal injuries, they must be relieved to get back to port