The Bembridge Ledge claims another victim (albeit only temporarily)
'RNLB Norman Harvey' (D-Class Inshore Lifeboat 778) was launched at 6.50am this morning at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard to assist a 44 foot yacht that had run aground on the edge of the Bembridge Ledge having left Bembridge Harbour enroute for Yarmouth earlier.
The yacht was too hard aground by the time the 'Norman Harvey' arrived to be towed off so she was secured and the crew were ferried ashore to the Inshore Boathouse in three trips. The 'Norman Harvey' was recovered by 7.45am.
Although some minor damage to the yacht was spotted at low tide when the yacht was high & dry, it was a bit of a non-event when the tide came in and the yacht was able to float free. Four of the crew were taken out in our D-Class inshore lifeboat ('RNLB Norman Harvey' - D-778) to the yacht and she floated off the Ledge on her own at around 4.15pm. After escorting her for a short distance and after her crew confirmed that everything seemed ok, the yacht set off under her own power back to Gosport to be thoroughly checked over.
The crew of the 'Norman Harvey' brought ashore the bags of the other four crew who were making their own way by taxi to join up with other boats in their group in Yarmouth.
Guy Willing, coxswain of Bembridge Lifeboat said 'they would have been fine had they been a few metres further east as they rounded the Ledge early this morning. Sadly it obviously spoilt their plans but we hope they enjoyed their day in Bembridge.'
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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