Residents in Ventnor with the benefit of a sea view might have seen a rescue take place earlier today (Thursday).
The sea was pretty choppy and the wind quite high when a small yacht with its sails down could be seen off the Ventnor coast, with two local fishing vessels nearby.
Engine failure
Local fisherman, Ed Blake explained that whilst they were on their way back from fishing in the Channel, when they found the the young sailor three miles south of St Catherine’s Point.
Unfortunately the engine on the French sailor’s yacht had stopped working.
Towed away from tidal races
Ed says they managed to get the yacht under tow and help the young sailor get away from the tidal races near St Catherine’s, but added that it wasn’t safe to take him into Ventnor Harbour.
Instead, they towed him further round the coast towards Bonchurch, where the Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat assisted in towing the yacht round to Bembridge Harbour.
Hopefully the young sailor is now tucked up somewhere warm and dry. Thanks to Ed for sharing his photos.
