Thanks to the Freshwater Lifeboat people who sent us today another tale of rescuing people at sea. A great example of volunteers giving their time to the community. – Ed. As ever, if you have Island news, just get in touch.
At 18:21 Friday 15th August Coastguard paged Freshwater Lifeboat and alerted them that a mobile phone call had been received from a sailing dingy or small yacht which was in difficulty about 1 mile off Brighstone.
Freshwater Lifeboat launched and located the vessel about 200yards off Brighstone. In F5 winds and facing a 4 Knot tide, the small craft, equipped with only a 6HP outboard motor was making no headway and shipping water.
On board was a skipper and 3 young children. The kids were cold, wet and frightened and were immediately taken onto the Lifeboat where extra clothing and chocolate bars soon brought back their smiles. The skipper elected to stay with his boat to bail and the dingy was taken under tow. However conditions proved too much for him and he was taken on board the lifeboat just before the safe waters in the Solent.
Once in the shelter of the Solent, the tow proceeded to Yarmouth where the casualties were met by the Coastguard and re-united with family members.
Freshwater Lifeboat was released at 22:04 and returned to Freshwater Bay at 23:15.
