Cowes and Bembridge RNLI rescue sailors in rough conditions
Cowes RNLI volunteer crew spotted a red flare in the Solent while recovering the lifeboat following a training exercise.
At 8.30pm on Monday 2nd February Cowes RNLI crew on the Sheena Louise were returning to station following a training exercise. As the lifeboat was being recovered, shore crew identified a red flare activated in the central Solent and a DSC emergency message was received on the boat's VHF radio unit.
Whilst a crew change took place and the boat was prepared to return to sea, contact was made with HM Coastguard who tasked the lifeboat to assist 3 persons in a 7.2m rib that had suffered engine failure.
The lifeboat was launched five minutes later into tricky conditions caused by strong wind over tide, resulting in wave heights of approximately 3 meters.
The lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel with the assistance of additional distress flares. In difficult conditions and following dialogue with HM Coastguard, the casualty crew were transferred to the lifeboat and taken to Cowes RNLI station where they were provided with dry clothing and kept under medical observation by members of the lifeboat crew and Needles Coastguard Rescue Team before returning to the mainland by ferry.
The casualty vessel was monitored by HM Coastguard and a local pilot boat before subsequently being recovered by Bembridge RNLI's crew on all-weather lifeboat Alfred Albert Williams and towed to Cowes, with the Cowes lifeboat remaining afloat within the harbour to assist the recovery of the casualty vessel.
The Sheena Louise and her crew returned to station in Cowes at 10.50pm.
Cowes RNLI helm Jack Banks stated:
"We launched in challenging conditions, with large waves and low visibility at night. With a highly experienced crew on the lifeboat, we were able to effectively locate the casualty vessel and recover its crew. Our utmost priority is the safety of our crew and the persons we are tasked to assist. We are glad that whilst we returned the casualties to Cowes, Bembridge RNLI’s crew were able to retrieve their vessel. This is what we train for, and a great example of the RNLI's ability to deploy a variety of assets and work alongside other agencies to ensure the safety of people at sea".
On Sunday 8th February the Cowes RNLI crew were paged again to reports of red flares seen in the Gurnard Bay area. A thorough search found no trace of a vessel in trouble, and the crew were stood down by HM Coastguard. Red distress flares are an important means of calling for help, and their misuse engages rescue services, including volunteers, who may be needed for genuine rescues. Old or unwanted flares should be disposed of safely; contact Cowes Harbour Commission at Kingston Boatyard or Shepards Marina in Cowes.
– Ends –
RNLI media contacts
Sofia Voudouroglou, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Press Officer 07594051372/ [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789.
About Cowes RNLI Station
Cowes Lifeboat Station is converted from a former HM Customs Watch House, the rear of which is 300 years old. It looks out onto one of the world’s busiest shipping waterways and carries out a range of interesting services every year. It is the only station to be opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.