Bembridge RNLI Called To Aid Disabled Fishing Boat Drifting South West Of The Island

Bembridge RNLI's All-Weather Lifeboat was launched on Wednesday afternoon to assist a disabled angling vessel that had lost all propulsion approximately 12 miles south west of the Isle of Wight.

The volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard at around 12:30 following reports that the vessel, carrying four people, was unable to make way.

After making the journey offshore, the lifeboat arrived on scene shortly before 2pm and carried out an assessment of the situation.

With the vessel drifting some distance from the Island and temperatures soaring above 30°C, crews determined that establishing a tow was the safest course of action.

The casualty vessel was then taken under tow as arrangements were made for specialist marine assistance to take over the operation.

In a fortunate coincidence, as the RNLI lifeboat approached the area of Newton Creek, a SeaStart vessel had just completed another task nearby and was available to continue the recovery.

Responsibility for the disabled boat was subsequently transferred to SeaStart under the direction of HM Coastguard, allowing the RNLI crew to stand down.

Bembridge's All-Weather Lifeboat then returned to station, where it was rehoused shortly before 16:30.

All four people on board the vessel were reported safe and well.