18-Metre Vessel Rescued After Taking On Water Off Cowes

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An 18-metre vessel has been brought safely into Cowes after getting into difficulty in the Solent.

The alarm was raised at around 8.45pm on Saturday, when Salutay reported it was taking on water and requested assistance from HM Coastguard.

The vessel had set off from Hamble earlier in the day and travelled up Southampton Water before heading south towards the Isle of Wight.

A multi-agency response was launched involving HM Coastguard, the RNLI, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and Cowes Harbour Master.

Cowes RNLI launched its lifeboat and met Salutay in the middle of the Solent before escorting it to Trinity Landing in Cowes.

The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team was waiting at the landing, while the vessel's skipper and his dog were brought safely ashore.

A fire crew from Ryde was also called to The Parade to help Coastguard teams remove water and keep the vessel afloat.

Salutay was later secured at anchor on the River Medina, where further checks were carried out this morning.

It's not the first time the vessel has needed help from emergency crews around the Isle of Wight.

In October 2025, Salutay ran aground near St Helens Fort with a sailor and his dog on board, leading to both Bembridge RNLI lifeboats being launched.