Cowes RNLI lifeboat saves yacht drifting without lights in shipping lane
A yacht that suffered a complete night-time power failure in the Solent’s shipping lane led to the urgent launching of Cowes RNLI lifeboat.
The 26 foot Iszare had suffered the potentially dangerous breakdown between Osborne Bay and Fishbourne, near Peel Bank, yesterday (Saturday 26 November) evening. The lone sailor aboard found he had no power, lights or VHF radio after several abortive attempts to start the boat’s engine.
The man, who had been sailing from Southampton to Hayling Island, anxiously alerted the UK Coastguards of his plight via his mobile phone.
News of an unlit yacht drifting in the shipping lane particularly concerned Southampton’s port authority because of the impending arrival in the area of a large ship.
The lifeboat launched at 8pm and managed to locate the yacht through lifeboat crew member Anne Simkin picking out its silhouette against the illuminated Ryde Pier further to the east.
After the yacht was towed to Trinity Landing, Cowes, the lifeboat returned to station at 9.15pm.
RNLI media contacts
- George Chastney, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Tel 07970 009986 email [email protected]
- Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.