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Bembridge Lifeboat launches on New Year’s Day in challenging conditions

Lifeboats News Release

RNLB Alfred Albert Williams (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) was launched launched at 6.13 pm Monday 1 January 2024 at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard.

Previous photo of the 72 foot yacht assisted

RNLI/Internet

Previous photo of the 72 foot yacht assisted

Her task was to locate and assist a 72 foot ex-round the world training yacht that was on her way back to Portsmouth from Poole with 6 crew onboard that had reported that her engine had failed and she was taking in some water south of Gilkicker Point. Gosport & Fareham Inshore Lifeboat was already on scene and had transferred one of their crew onboard the yacht.

It did not take the Alfred Albert Williams long to reach yacht and having assessed the options it was decided to put her under tow to Gosport Marina (subsequently changed to Gunwharf Marina). Conditions were very challenging in the Force 7 gusting Force 8 WSW'erly and heavy rain. Once inside Portsmouth Harbour the astern tow was changed to an alongside tow and having safely berthed the yacht alongside at Gunwharf, the Alfred Albert Williams returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 8.30 pm.

Coxswain Guy Willing said “Conditions were certainly challenging and I was very pleased that we were able to assist the yacht return to her home port safely.”


RNLI media contacts

  • Mike Samuelson, Bembridge RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07785 593254 or [email protected]

  • Beth Robson, RNLI Regional Media Manager London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 [email protected]

  • For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Photo of the Shore Crew waiting for RNLB Alfred Albert Williams to return

RNLI/Steve Stimson

Shore Crew waiting for RNLB Alfred Albert Williams to return
Photo of the AIS track of RNLB Alfred Albert Williams

RNLI/marinetraffic.com

AIS track of RNLB Alfred Albert Williams

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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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