Two lifeboats go to aid of crippled catamaran

A newly acquired large catamaran had an ignominious early outing for its owner when not one but two RNLI lifeboats, from Cowes and Yarmouth, were involved in towing it to safety across the Solent on Tuesday evening (January 9).

The 48-foot Amina, with three men and a woman aboard, had been due to sail from Hamble to East Cowes when it lost its steering. First on the scene, off Lepe Spit, was the Cowes Atlantic 85 lifeboat, but because of the catamaran’s size it was decided it would be prudent to call on Yarmouth’s all-weather lifeboat to take over the tow.

Although initially the plan was to return the craft to Hamble, it was decided it would be better for Yarmouth lifeboat to deliver it to Trinity Landing, Cowes. There it was met not only by Cowes lifeboat shore crew but also Needles Coastguards.

Cowes lifeboat, which had launched just after 6pm, returned to station just over an hour later.