Bembridge RNLI had a busy weekend, starting off with a rescue which included George, the dog, on Friday.

The crew launched the D-Class at the request of HM Coastguard at 12.35pm, to assist a 16m motor vessel, which had gone aground on the rocks near St Helens Fort, just outside Bembridge Harbour.

One person, and George, were safely on board, but with the tide falling and a storm approaching, the All-Weather Lifeboat was also launched to help set an anchor and bring them back to safety.

Later in the day, as the tide returned and weather conditions worsened to gale force 8, gusting 9, both lifeboats relaunched to assist the vessel in refloating and escorting her towards Portsmouth Harbour. When both engines failed near the entrance, the All-Weather Lifeboat took her under tow and safely brought her alongside Haslar Marina.

Then, on Saturday at 12.25pm, the D-Class was out again following reports from a member of the public that two people had been spotted holding onto one of the channel buoys leading into Bembridge Harbour.
Battling strong force 7, gusting 8, winds and a rough sea state, the crew arrived on scene at 12.40pm to find one person on a paddleboard and another on an inflatable kayak, both unable to make headway in the challenging conditions and clinging to the buoy to avoid being blown out to sea.

Both casualties were safely brought aboard the lifeboat, checked over, and found to be unharmed. After deflating the paddleboard, they were taken ashore at St Helens Old Church, and met by Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team at 1.06pm.