Emergency signal prompts launch of Bembridge RNLI lifeboat volunteers
Bembridge RNLI's relief Tamar class lifeboat, 'Frank and Anne Wilkinson', was launched at the request of the UK Coastguard earlier this evening (Sunday 23 July) following the activation of an emergency signal.
The search was prompted by a report by the P&O cruise ship 'Ventura' of a Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) emergency signal being transmitted in the area.
The volunteer crew aboard the Frank & Anne Wilkinson were quickly on scene and started a search. However after only four legs of a search they were re-tasked to check out two sailing vessels - Castalia and Hot Stuff - that had been in the area and were by then heading towards Cowes. Both vessels were quickly located.
Meanwhile, the UK Coastguard had managed to identify the make and number of the Search and Rescue Transponder that was transmitting and the yacht Hot Stuff then confirmed it was one of theirs which had somehow been switched on in error and that they were in no difficulty.
The Frank and Anne Wilkinson then returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 8pm.
On their return, Steve Simmonds, Coxswain of Bembridge RNLI lifeboat, said: 'Happily in this case it was a false alarm. However it need to be checked out and as the Tamar lifeboat is so well equipped for carrying out searches, it was good that we were requested.'
RNLI media contacts
- Mike Samuelson, Bembridge RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07785 593254 or [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.
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