Concern that a crippled yacht could be in the path of a cruise liner gave Cowes RNLI lifeboat and even more urgent reason to go to its aid yesterday evening (Thursday).
While the lifeboat was on exercise in the Solent it was alerted at 7.45pm by coastguards that a 20-foot yacht had suffered a steering failure in the shipping channel near North-East Gurnard Buoy.
Cruise ship warned
After ensuring that a Southampton Harbour patrol launch in the area warned an approaching cruise ship about the yacht, the lifeboat eventually began an alongside tow to Cowes; meanwhile the harbour launch provided an escort to reduce the wake in what were lively sea conditions.
Delivered to Trinity Landing
The yacht, with four people on board, was duly delivered to Trinity Landing, and the lifeboat returned to station at 8.45pm.
News shared by George on behalf of Cowes RNLI. Ed
Image: © With kind permission of Nick Edwards
