Bembridge RNLI Coxswain retires after 15 years on a high
With less than six hours before Steve Simmonds retires after 15 years as Coxswain of Bembridge Lifeboat, 'RNLB Alfred Albert Williams' (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) was tasked (at 6.20pm) by UK Coastguard to look for two Jet Skis thought to be somewhere between Bembridge and Hayling Island.
Apparently one had run out of fuel and was under tow by the other. A third Jet Ski had, in the meantime gone off to try to get hold of some fuel and had last been seen in Wootton Creek.
Whilst the Alfred Albert Williams was heading to the most likely area to start the search, she came across a small speedboat with two crew that had also run out of fuel. The Alfred Albert Williams stood by and through HM Coastguard arranged for Portsmouth RNLI's Atlantic 85 that was in transit at the time from Portsmouth to her boathouse in Langstone Harbour, to tow the speedboat to safety.
On resuming her search for the missing jet skis, the Alfred Albert Williams went to the assistance of a 34ft yacht with four crew on board that had reported a problem with their engine (thought to be a small fire); as there was no wind, it was decided to tow her to Portsmouth. Having safely berthed the yacht in Haslar Marina, the Alfred Albert Williams returned to Bembridge and was rehoused by 9.15pm. In the meantime, the three Jet Skis were subsequently located by Portsmouth's Atlantic 85 safe on Hayling Beach.
Before heading home, Steve Simmonds said: 'Well, that was an interesting three hours to finish on! I will of course miss being the Coxswain but I know that I leave Bembridge RNLI is very safe hands and wish my successor Guy all the very best. I know he will uphold the traditions of the RNLI, after all I helped train him for the job!'
RNLI media contacts
· Mike Samuelson, Bembridge RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07785 593254 or [email protected]
· Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 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.