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Timely assistance from Bembridge RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Having launched earlier in the morning in support of Brading Haven YC's 'Push the Boat Out' Open Day, 'RNLB Alfred Albert Williams' (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) tows a disabled yacht into Bembridge Harbour

RNLB Alfred Albert Williams with yacht under tow

Graham Reading

Under tow

On her way out of Bembridge harbour early this afternoon, the Alfred Albert Williams was tasked by UK (Solent) Coastguard to assist a 36 foot yacht with 3 crew onboard that had reported something caught round her propeller off Priory Bay.

As she was not far from the yacht when the call came in, it did not take long to establish a tow and to then tow the yacht to the Visitor's Pontoon in the harbour. Once the yacht was safely berthed, the Alfred Albert Williams returned to the Offshore Boathouse and despite the tricky sea conditions at the bottom of the slipway, she was recovered (on the first attempt) by 1pm.

Guy Willing, Coxswain of Bembridge RNLI, said 'It was a very timely 'shout' as the disabled yacht was almost on our track back to the Lifeboat Station after a very successful couple of hours at Brading Haven YC showing people around the Alfred Albert Williams. As a result it did not take us long to tow her into the harbour.'

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


RNLB Alfred Albert Williams & Classic Dream entering Bembridge Harbour

Graham Reading

Entering Bembridge Harbour
RNLB Alfred Albert Williams with Classic Dream alongside

Graham Reading

Bringing into the Visitors Pontoon
Track of RNLB Alfred Albert Williams

RNLI/Mike Samuelson

Track

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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