It was in the bag for Cowes lifeboat last night

Coastguards learned that the launch had fouled its propeller midstream in the River Medina, between the Kingston and Medina wharves.

After launching at 10.45 pm the lifeboat crew discovered that a part-submerged one-tonne builder’s bag had wrapped itself around the propeller.

The lifeboat crew cut the bag off and ensured the launch made it safely to a yacht in mid-river on which the man was staying.

Returning to station at 11:35 pm, the lifeboat was duly washed down in the rain and prepared for the next launch.

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.