Urgent news in from Michaela at Ryde Inshore Rescue. Ed
Ryde Inshore Rescue are appealing to the Island to help them replace their second lifeboat Ryde Rescue 2.
The 4.5m craft, similar to the RNLI’s D Class, was bought in 1995 and has attended countless incidents over the past 15 years. It is an ideal craft to fit underneath Ryde Pier and to also operate over the shallows at Ryde Sands.
Developed air leak
However over the past three months the lifeboat has developed an air leak from the hull that is linked to the Sponsons and despite professional repairs the boat still has to be re-inflated on a daily basis or prior to any Coastguard incident.
The management committee have managed to source a replacement craft, similar to that of the current Ryde Rescue 2, but this comes with a price tag of £6000, which is why an appeal is being put out to the public to help.
“Whist we have lived for the past months with the leak we cannot start the 2011 season with such an unreliable boat and must replace it. The quotation is for the bare boat and our plan would be to cannibalise the old boat for the equipment console and the electrical systems including navigation lights and VHF radio, replacing only cost effective or unreliable items.” States Michaela White, Chairman of Ryde Inshore Rescue.
“The future of Lifeguards on Ryde Beach is uncertain due to economy measures currently being considered by the IW Council, which will result in more callouts for us in situations where the number 2 lifeboat is best suited.”
Lifeboat takes priority over roof
Even though the crew at Ryde are actively fundraising to replace the roof at their existing headquarters the priority now has to be a new lifeboat that can respond quickly and save lives as it is designed for.
Donations can be made online via Just Giving or if anyone can help with the fundraising they are encouraged to call the fundraising coordinator on 812178.
