Thanks to Michaela for this latest report from Ryde Inshore Rescue, in her own words. Ed
The crew of Ryde Inshore are experiencing an extremely busy year with four callouts over the past couple of days.
The incidents have been of a wide variety from broken down boats, boats breaking from their moorings to the latest callout of a 37ft yacht running aground on Ryde Sands.
Cheeky Monkey aground on Ryde Sands
The incident took place late on Saturday afternoon just as Ryde Rescue 2 was returning from a previous incident. The crew were quickly alongside the vessel “Cheeky Monkey” who was being sailed single handed by an 81 year old ex captain.
Requesting the launch of Ryde Rescue 1, the two lifeboats attempted to remove the vessel off the sands but it soon became apparent that it was there for the duration.
The Skipper was clearly in shock at his unfortunate mishap and due to his frail condition the crew brought him ashore to the lifeboat station where he was fed, watered and cared for until the tide flooded.
Going that ‘extra mile’
The Coxswain of Ryde Rescue 1 had agreed to get his boat alongside somewhere safe for the night, so that the gentleman did not have to sail home in the middle of the night and it was agreed that the safest harbour close by for his type of Fin Keeled vessel and the time he would want to depart in the morning was Gosport Marina.
The crew of Ryde Rescue 1 re-launched at 10pm and brought his yacht to Ryde harbour for him to be reacquainted with it before taking him over to Gosport and securing him alongside a berth there for the night.
Ryde Inshore Rescue finally reverted back to pager at 0215 hours.
53 incidents this year
This was incident 53 of the year for Ryde Inshore Rescue; with last year’s total callouts ending with 51.
It has kept the volunteers at the unit extremely busy whilst trying to maintain the unit and raise funds all at the same time.
The crew are now seeking more volunteers to help out with what is proving to be an extremely busy year for them.
