Thanks to George for this update from Cowes RNLI. Ed
Seven people in the water after their yacht sank following a collision sparked a full-scale rescue operation from both sides of the Solent yesterday (Saturday).
Racing to the scene east of Bramble Bank, after a Mayday was received by Solent Coastguards, were Cowes RNLI lifeboat and Gosport independent lifeboat.
The seven, two of them women, were aboard the Cowes-based Corby 36 yacht Ino, which was in collision with the yacht Valkyrie.
Vessel sank quickly
Although the Ino sank very quickly fortunately all seven were already wearing lifejackets. After first being picked up by a passing RIB they were transferred to the Gosport lifeboat which was soon joined on the scene by the Cowes lifeboat.
Both lifeboats then proceeded to Trinity Landing, Cowes, where some of the survivors were given blankets rushed from the Cowes station. Also tending to the yacht crew were members of Needles coastguard.
