Cowes RNLI respond to grounded vessel on the coldest night of winter

A 26ft yacht had experienced engine failure and steering issues and had drifted on to the rocks near Thorness Bay, so HM Coastguard tasked Cowes’ crew on Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Sheena Louise, to assist. Upon arrival, the crew found the vessel aground and listing heavily, with one casualty aboard. With such a low tide the crew were unable to reach the vessel but a health check showed the casualty was unhurt, though very cold.

The Cowes crew requested assistance from a smaller lifeboat, and HM Coastguard tasked Calshot RNLI’s D-class lifeboat, while the Needles and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue teams made their way to the scene. With the vessel still fast on the rocks, and the weather getting colder, the decision was made to remove its skipper, and the D-class crew were able to transfer him to the waiting Cowes lifeboat. From there, he was transferred to Cowes and met by waiting ambulance crews.

Cowes RNLI crew returned to station and replaced by a new crew at 6:50pm, as they had now been out in the cold for two hours. The new crew aboard the Sheena Louise returned to the vessel, where they assisted Calshot RNLI crew in securing an anchor to the vessel overnight. This was the first shout for newly enrolled boat crew Jay, who recently qualified as ‘safe to go on service’.

The vessel was returned safely to Cowes by the Cowes Harbour Commission on Tuesday morning.

Libby Finch, helm on the first Cowes RNLI crew of the evening, said:

“The skipper did the right thing calling for help. We are always happy to assist those in trouble, and on the coldest night of the year we were glad to be able to bring him safely back to Cowes. If you get into trouble don’t hesitate to call at the earliest opportunity – dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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RNLI media contacts

• Sofia Voudouroglou, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Press Officer 07594051372/ [email protected]

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

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.