Cowes RNLI Rescue Stranded Sailor And Dinghy

Yesterday (Sunday 13 July) saw Cowes RNLI crew were on their way to investigate an intermittent radio transmission, when they rescued a young woman in trouble on a sailing dinghy.

The crew of the Sheena Louise launched at 2pm, having been tasked by HM Coastguard to investigate an ongoing transmission on the emergency Channel 16.

While on their way towards the source of the transmission, HM Coastguard alerted the crew to a young woman in the water between Thorness Bay and Newtown Creek.

The woman had been sailing a small dingy which had taken on water and inverted, and she was unable to right it.

A passing yacht had noticed her and called HM Coastguard, while a motor cruiser assisted her out of the water to safety.

On arrival, the Cowes RNLI crew helped to right the dingy and towed it to safety at Gurnard Beach.

The crew returned to Cowes RNLI Station at 4pm and washed down the lifeboat, ready for the next shout. The source of the intermittent transmission on Channel 16 was not found.

Adam Wilson, helm at Cowes RNLI, said:

“We were happy to help a sailor today.

"Passing boats were able to assist until we arrived and took her to safety.

"As a lifesaving charity staffed by volunteers, we are always happy to help anyone who gets in trouble in the water, and grateful for the support of the public.”