Thanks to Mike from Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) for this latest news. Ed
A family of four and their two pet dogs were rescued yesterday afternoon by the Gosport Independent Lifeboat operated by the Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS).
The UK coastguard paged the lifeboat crew after receiving a call for assistance from a 22 foot yacht reporting that they had suffered damage to their mast. The yacht had left Bembridge earlier today and was en-route to the Hamble river.
The volunteer lifeboat crew’s response was hampered by horrendous weather conditions, responding crews faced flooded roads and delays caused by the torrential downpour, all of which was affecting the local roads leading to the lifeboat station.
“The most appalling conditions”
Once launched the Gosport lifeboat made best speed to the stricken yacht in what coxswain Brian Pack described as “the most appalling conditions, with torrential rain being driven by gale force winds”.
The 22 foot yacht was taken undertow for Haslar marina, Gosport.
Once the lifeboat crew had secured the yacht safely alongside, the young couple and their two children aged seven and two were taken by road to the lifeboat station, lifeboat volunteers then provided the family with warm showers, dry clothing and refreshments.
