Crippled and waterlogged speedboat towed to safety by lifeboat
A speedboat going around in circles because of a steering problem led to Cowes RNLI lifeboat venturing into the Solent this (Monday) evening.
The 14-foot boat, with two young men on board, was reported to be in trouble in Thorness Bay. The lifeboat launched just after 6 pm, and on arrival at the scene found the small open craft had not only lost its steering but also was filling with water.
Eventually the speedboat, with a lifeboat crew member on board, was towed back to Cowes, first from astern of the lifeboat and then alongside. It was duly delivered to the public slipway adjoining the lifeboat, at around 7.10 pm, and was soon lifted onto a trailer and taken away.
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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