Bembridge RNLI launch in the middle of the night
'RNLB Alfred Albert Williams' (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) was launched at 1am this morning (Thursday 31 January) at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard to investigate a report of a Red Flare that had been sighted 1 mile south of Ventnor.
'HMS Middleton' (a Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel) was also in the area searching. Having found nothing after 2 hours, both vessels were released and the Alfred Albert Williams returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 3.15am. For two of the crew it was their first service.
On their return, Guy Willing Coxswain of Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat said: ‘Although on this occasion we were unable to find anyone in trouble, it needed to be checked out and as the Tamar 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]
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
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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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