Rowing Crew Rescued After Boat Gets Into Difficulty Off Brook Coast

(c) William Barton / Shutterstock.com

A major rescue operation was launched off the Isle of Wight's south-west coast after a rowing boat got into difficulty near Brook on Saturday afternoon.

HM Coastguard was alerted to the incident at around 1.45pm, prompting the launch of rescue teams from Needles and Ventnor, alongside Yarmouth RNLI, Freshwater Independent Lifeboat and other vessels already in the area.

The crew, who were training for this winter's World's Toughest Row endurance challenge, were safely rescued by lifeboat and brought ashore.

The specialist rowing boat, which is designed to self-right in the event of a capsize, later drifted ashore at Brook Chine.

The vessel has since been secured to a large rock on the shoreline and remains at the location while its condition continues to be monitored.

There were no reports of any injuries.