Busy Cowes Week for RNLI crew ends with double callout and dog rescue

Pagers sounded at 11am on Saturday, 8 August, as a 40ft yacht found itself grounded on the south side of Bramble Bank. At the request of HM Coastguard, our crew launched the Sheena Louise and very soon came across the yacht, which was listing to starboard with five people on board.

There was no damage to the yacht and its crew were uninjured, so three decided to remain on the yacht and await the rising tide to naturally refloat the yacht. Our RNLI volunteers reset their anchor into deeper water to secure the yacht as it refloated, and then transferred two of the yacht’s crew to Cowes. They returned to station at 12.30 and made the lifeboat ready for service.

Sure enough, pagers sounded again at 8.45pm that evening. A 60ft vessel was travelling up Southampton Water when the owner noticed water ingress and called 999. HM Coastguard requested assistance from Cowes RNLI, and our crew launched to meet the vessel. Upon arrival, they discovered the water ingress and began using their onboard pump. Soon, it became clear this was not removing water fast enough, so the decision was made to evacuate the owner and his dog, and they were taken safely to Cowes RNLI Station.

Meanwhile, the vessel was taken to Trinity Landing to meet the Needles Coastguard Rescue team and a fire engine from Ryde Fire Station. The fire engine’s larger pump was able to remove a significant amount of the water and at 11.45pm the decision was made to move the vessel upriver overnight. Cowes RNLI escorted the vessel alongside the Cowes Harbour Master, and made it secure for the night. The crew returned to station at 1am and made the lifeboat ready for service.

Myles, Cowes RNLI helm on the second shout, has a track record of animal rescues, having previously rescued a cat, a deer, and even a bearded dragon. Today, he was happy to add a dog to that list. He said:

“We’ve had a huge variety of callouts this week, and today was my very first dog rescue! I’m proud of our crew’s dedication today, and particularly want to thank those who responded to both shouts, spending hours on the boat or at the station. Thanks also to our partner services who regularly coordinate with us to help those in trouble on the water.”

– Ends –

About Cowes RNLI Station

Cowes Lifeboat Station is converted from a former HM Customs Watch House, the rear of which is 300 years old. It looks out onto one of the world’s busiest shipping waterways and carries out a range of interesting services every year. It is the only station to be opened by Queen Elizabeth II.