Boxing Day launch for Calshot RNLI continues into the early hours
At 5.20pm on Boxing Day Calshot RNLI were requested to launch to a 37ft yacht that was hard aground just outside the entrance to the River Hamble.
On arrival, the Calshot RNLI crew checked on the condition of the yacht's two crew who were uninjured. With the low tide the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and determined the vessel would need to wait for the incoming tide before it could be re-floated. Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team were also on scene to assist if needed.
It was decided the best course of action would be for the Calshot RNLI crew to return again at midnight with the tide. Happy the persons on the yacht were comfortable and safe to remain on board, the volunteer RNLI crew put out an anchor for them to secure the vessel, then returned to station and home to their families. HM Coastguard maintained radio contact with the vessel's crew throughout the evening to ensure they were OK.
At 11pm the Calshot crew returned to the station and launched the Atlantic 85 Lifeboat Max Walls at 12.03am on the 27 December. On arrival at the grounded vessel one of the Calshot crew jumped on board to assess it and ensure no damage had been done that would cause further problems and make sure they weren't taking on water.
With the rising tide, the RNLI crew attached a tow line to the bow of the yacht and were able to pull it clear of the bank. Once the vessel was clear the crew made a finial check before the vessel was able to head to Cowes to make berth for the night. The crew returned to station at 1.30am. The lifeboat was washed down and made ready for service.
This shout was the second of the day for Calshot RNLI crew, who had launched at 3.55pm on Boxing Day to a kayaker who the crew assisted across the Solent channel.
The Calshot crew had also held a 'Brew With The Crew' event where the station is opened up to visitors to meet the crew, take a look around and enjoy tea and cakes (made by crew families). The day raised a fantastic £480 for the station! Their next 'Brew With The Crew' event will take place on New Year's Day from 10am-2pm.
Ends
Media Contacts
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Laura Bean, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Office 07772 529985 [email protected]
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Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, London and South East 07785 296252 [email protected]
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For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on (01202) 336789
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.
The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.
Learn more about the RNLIFor more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiriesMembers of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 or by email.
The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland.
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.