Well done to all involved. Thanks to Michael for news from Ryde Inshore Rescue. Ed
Ryde Inshore Rescue were tasked shortly after 0700hrs this morning to reports of a vessel suffering engine failure after spending the night sitting on Ryde Sands.
The sailing vessel originally run aground during the night but was quite happy to wait for the incoming tide to continue its journey to Cowes. Unfortunately once they had refloated it became apparent that their engine was not going to start and they had problems with their sails so were unable to proceed as they had hoped.
Anchor could not hold
The vessel planned to go to anchor to await the lifeboat’s assistance, but due to the strong North Easterly winds the anchor did not hold and the vessel drifted towards Ryde Pier.
Ryde Rescue 1 launched into a heavy onshore swell but quickly proceeded to the casualty vessel’s location, which by this time was only a few metres off of the eastern side of the pier and immediately pulled the vessel out of danger before putting them on a proper tow and returning them to their home port in Portsmouth Harbour.
This was their second incident of the week after they were called out to a vessel off Ryde Harbour on Sunday that was being blown on to the rocks at the entrance as it attempted to make its way out to sea.
