Thanks to George for this latest news from Cowes RNLI. Ed
Crew members of Cowes RNLI lifeboat last night lived up to the scouts’ ‘Be Prepared’ motto after learning they were urgently needed to help a dinghy sailor in obvious difficulties in the water.
But as they hurriedly donned their dry suits in readiness for launching another call came through: the sailor was out of danger and safely back on dry land.
Rescued by fellow sailor
The sailor had apparently been in the water well off Gurnard for 40 minutes as he struggled to recover his dinghy.
Eventually, however, one of three other dinghy sailors in the area managed to tow the craft and sailor back to Gurnard Sailing Club.
Would rather be alerted
Operations manager Mark Southwell was, however, not at all put out by the lifeboat’s no-show. He said,
“We’d much rather be alerted about a possible problem even when it turns out our presence was not needed.
“All four dinghy sailors were very competent, especially local boat designer Jo Richards who managed the tow – itself quite a feat. And fortunately the rescued sailor did not need medical treatment.”
