By Isle of Wight Observer
Cowes RNLI had a quick crew change to launch a rescue, after members spotted a red flare activated in the central Solent at the end of a training session last week.
The lifeboat was returning to station at 8.30pm on February 2, when the training crew saw the flare and a DSC emergency message was received on the boat’s VHF radio unit.
A crew change took place and the boat was prepared to return to sea, contact was made with HM Coastguard who tasked the lifeboat to assist three persons in a 7.2metre rib which had suffered engine failure. The lifeboat was launched five minutes later into tricky conditions caused by strong wind over tide, resulting in wave heights of approximately 3m.
The crew located the casualty vessel with the assistance of additional distress flares. Despite the difficult conditions, the casualty crew were transferred to the lifeboat and taken to Cowes RNLI station, where they were provided with dry clothing and kept under medical observation by members of the lifeboat crew and Needles Coastguard Rescue Team before returning to the mainland by ferry.
The casualty vessel was monitored by HM Coastguard and a local pilot boat before subsequently being recovered by Bembridge RNLI and towed to Cowes, with the Cowes lifeboat remaining afloat within the harbour to assist the recovery of the casualty vessel.
Cowes RNLI helmsman, Jack Banks, said: “We launched in challenging conditions, with large waves and low visibility at night. With a highly-experienced crew on the lifeboat, we were able to effectively locate the casualty vessel and recover its crew. Our utmost priority is the safety of our crew and the persons we are tasked to assist.
“We are glad that whilst we returned the casualties to Cowes, Bembridge RNLI’s crew were able to retrieve their vessel. This is what we train for, and a great example of the RNLI’s ability to deploy a variety of assets and work alongside other agencies to ensure the safety of people at sea.”
On Sunday, the Cowes RNLI crew were paged again to reports of red flares seen in the Gurnard Bay area. A thorough search found no trace of a vessel in trouble, and the crew were stood down by HM Coastguard.
Red distress flares are an important means of calling for help, and their misuse engages rescue services, including volunteers, who may be needed for genuine rescues. Old or unwanted flares should be disposed of safely; contact Cowes Harbour Commission at Kingston Boatyard or Shepards Marina in Cowes.