Yikes, thank goodness for the likes of the RNLI and Inshore Rescue. This in from George for Cowes RNLI. Ed
A motor-cruiser bringing two men and a woman across the Solent to be close to the weekend’s Isle of Wight Festival had to call on the help of Cowes RNLI lifeboat late last night when the boat sprang a leak.
The motor-cruiser, the 34 foot Dragon, was on its way from Port Solent at Portsmouth, when Solent
Coastguards were alerted that an increasing amount of water was building up in the bilge. The lifeboat, with Max Rimington at the helm, met the motor-cruiser in Osborne Bay where the lifeboat’s own portable pump was put on board.
Cruiser to head down The Medina
The motor-cruiser was escorted to Cowes Yacht Haven. The lifeboat pump continued its work until it was possible for the boat’s own pump to complete the task. With no evidence of the motor-cruiser taking on water, the lifeboat returned to station.
It is understood that the motor-cruiser’s crew still hoped to eventually join other boats in the River Medina, below the Seaclose Recreation Ground, at Newport, the traditional venue of the music festival.
