Atlantic challenge rowing boat calls for assistance
Weymouth RNLI all-weather and Inshore lifeboats were launched 8.08 am on Sunday 19th August to reports from Solent Coastguard that a rowing boat was in difficulties 2 miles South of Lulworth Cove.
Once on scene at 08.30am the volunteer lifeboat crews found that the rowing boat was a 9 metre Atlantic rowing boat with a crew of 4. They had set off from Weymouth on Saturday for a training row in preparation for the Atlantic rowing challenge in December. However conditions on scene meant that they were struggling with the strong winds and tide and were unable to make any headway so they called for assistance.
Due to the sea conditions, It was decided that the all-weather lifeboat would deal with the rowing boat so the Inshore lifeboat was released and returned to station.
The all-weather lifeboat crew passed a line to the rowing boat and she was towed back to Weymouth Harbour arriving at 10.00am where they were put on the waiting pontoon.
They were met by Wyke Coastguard CRT who helped tie her up, took details and offered safety advice.
RNLI volunteer Deputy Coxswain Tye Shuttleworth said,' Force 4-5 wind over tide conditions on scene meant that they were dealing with a 1.5 metre swell and they were unable to make headway so called for assistance. It was a good decision to make at the time. They were using a hand held marine band radio which did not have a very good range so communications were not good. However it was pleasing to see that they were well equipped and were able to call for help when they needed it.'
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