
Bembridge RNLI’s All-Weather Lifeboat launches early on Christmas Eve.
RNLB Alfred Albert Williams (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) was launched at 3.14am this morning (Sunday 24 December) at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard
Her task was to assist a 35ft sailing yacht with one person onboard reported to be in difficulty with no engine close to North Sturbridge buoy to the north west of No Mans Land Fort.
A 22m guard vessel Haulbowline that was operating in the area stood by until the Alfred Albert Williams arrived on scene at 3.30am. A tow to Portsmouth, the safest option, was quickly set up and having safely berthed the yacht at Gosport Marina at around 4.20am, the Alfred Albert Williams returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 5am. Conditions were quite rough in the Force 7, gusting Gale Force 8 Westerly wind.
The coxswain, Guy Willing said “the yacht was a live aboard and her owner planned to spend Christmas in Cowes; sadly for him it looks as though he will have to make do with Gosport! Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”
RNLI media contacts
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Mike Samuelson, Bembridge RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07785 593254 or [email protected]
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Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 [email protected]
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For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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.