Cowes lifeboat answers two calls for help

Cowes RNLI lifeboat was called upon to assist on two occasions this (Thurs) morning- the first to tow in a yacht that had lost its steering and then to help secure a boat tender that had broken adrift in the River Medina.

The lifeboat was launched at 11.10 am to go to the aid of a 37-foot yacht with five people aboard that had lost its rudder east of Cowes Harbour. Although initially assisted by another yacht, the lifeboat crew went aboard to arrange an alongside tow. Believed to be from the River Itchen, the disabled yacht was delivered to Trinity Landing.

The second call was to help recover an unmanned tender which was adrift in the River Medina. But when the lifeboat arrived in the area the crew found that it had been safely secured by another vessel. The lifeboat returned to station soon after midday.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.