Date 

Time Launched

Service To

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist other units in a search for a suspected missing person or persons that could have fallen overboard from a unmanned RIB found drifting off the entrance to Langstone harbour at 06:05 UTC. The 10ft RIB had a 15hp outboard motor on which was cold, a 5-gallon fuel tank with about 2 gals of fuel left in it, the painter was inboard not trailing in the water and nothing on it to suggest that it had been used for angling. The sea conditions being glassy calm we were tasked to search a datum line from Bembridge Ledge buoy to Langstone Fairway Buoy, with a track spacing of ½ mile towards the west. On completion of 3 legs to the west with nothing untoward found we then repositioned ½ a mile to the east of the datum line and continued for another 3 legs again with nothing untoward found. On completion of the last leg and having covered some 35 miles Solent requested we stand down and return to station, we did returning at 12:15 the Lifeboat was rehoused and made ready for service again by 12:50 

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist a 36ft yacht that had hit the Bembridge Ledge and was aground on a falling tide. Arriving on scene we found the yacht lying head to sea heeling over at a 30° angle with its keel pounding the ledge in the easterly swell, The lifeboat having the towline all ready run out was manoeuvred down on to the casualty and when in range the heaving line passed, made secure by the casualties crew and slowly towed free. Once out into deeper water thorough checks were made down below by the skipper and it was found that one of the keel bolts was weeping a small amount of water, but he was not unduly worried by this and was prepared to make his way back and into Haslar Marina under his own power. The Coastguards were informed of this and they concurred, the Lifeboat recovered the towline and collected the details then returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 11:30

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist in the evacuation of an elderly gentleman from an angling vessel that was making its way up towards the West Princessa Buoy. Once on scene with fenders rigged the Lifeboat was brought up alongside the casualty and a crewmember transferred across to asses the situation, he reported back that the gentleman was suffering from difficulty in breathing with pains down both sides of his chest, his joints ached and had been sick. The gentleman  was assisted in his own time across to the Lifeboat and once onboard was placed into the stretcher and made ready for disembarkation to the ambulance. The Lifeboat was rehoused using the shorter of our haul out spans which after lowering the mast and aerials allowed us to bring it straight in and put the starboard quarter level with our boarding point, the stretcher was then passed ashore and the casualty passed over into the care of the ambulance crew. The Lifeboat was then lowered back down the slipway and washed down prior to rehousing and being made ready for service again by 02:45

A Suspected Hoax  

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to search for four persons in the water off of the vessel “MV Marissa” in the vicinity Shanklin Ledge. Arriving on scene the lifeboat finding nothing on radar and in the area started a close inshore search from Shanklin ledge down as far as Ventnor Haven using searchlights and 4 Illuminating flares in the process. The local coastguards were searching the coastline and the casualty was called at a few minute intervals with out no response, until Solent managed to D/F the casualty  which put it the luccombe chine area. The lifeboat returned to that area but nothing was found, heard or seen after that, the search was terminated by Solent and the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 01:40   

We were requested to launch by Solent MRCC to assist a twin masted yacht that had run aground on Wootton rocks to the west side of the entrance to wooton creek.  Arriving on-scene we found that the casualty was high and dry at the bow, heeling over on her portside and the rising tide was shipping in over the port aft gunwale into the cockpit. Gosport Rescue and Ryde Rescue were both on-scene and had put salvage pumps onboard to stem the flow but could make no impact. Three of our crew and the salvage pump were transferred across to the casualty, the water was flooding the cockpit and making its way in to the main cabin through a hatchway and possibly under the cockpit sole, the main cabin was flooded to a depth 1.5, level with the water outside and the portholes on the portside were covered. The skipper who was onboard had stated that the vessel was not holed and had only gently run aground some hours before on the falling tide. We managed to limit the water ingress entering through the hatch way and having placed our salvage pump into the cabin could not stem the flow of water into it; in fact the water was increasing as the tide rose, and it became obvious that this was now becoming a salvage job not one for a lifeboat. On the completion of us recovering our crew and equipment the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 19:00  

We were requested to launch by Solent MRCC to assist the 34ft yacht “White Lady” that was on passage to Cherbourg with 4 POB, which had fouled its propeller and was becalmed 17 miles south of St Catherine’s point in the east bound shipping lane. Arriving on scene after the 25 mile run the lifeboat was manoeuvred alongside the casualty and the towline passed, once secured the casualty was towed with out incident up to the Lifeboat station where it was temporary moored on our breasting buoy whilst a crewmember with diving experience freed the propeller. On completion and after through checks were made to the propulsion system the casualty was able to return to Gosport its home berth. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 10:15

The Coxswain and Mechanic were on duty at the station when a local lad spotted a 32ft yacht run aground on Bembridge Ledge. Arriving on scene we found the casualty bows to the shore aground, so the Lifeboat was manoeuvred down tide onto the casualty’s St'bd quarter and the towline having already been run out was passed across. Once secured around the St'bd sheet winch the Lifeboat then slowly pulled the casualty free and out into deeper water, as we were towing it stern first the skipper was advised to start his engine prior to us releasing the tow. A through check was made below for water ingress with nothing found we recovered our mechanic and the casualty that was originally on passage to Cherbourg returned to Gosport under its own power. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 10:00 

We were requested to launch by Solent MRCC to investigate a yacht aground and being pounded on a falling tide at the base of St Helens fort. Arriving on scene the fenders were rigged and the lifeboat was manoeuvred alongside the casualty’s port quarter and a crewmember transferred across, on inspection there was no one found to be onboard and from the mooring line hanging down over the bow it was ascertained the mooring had parted. The Tow line was made ready and passed across making it fast around the port aft cleat and the tail secure around the port sheet winch, the Lifeboat then slowly pulled the casualty free. Once into deeper water the towline was transferred to the bow and the casualty towed into Bembridge Harbour where it was berthed alongside the pontoon helped by the local Coastguards. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 08:15

The Lifeboat having launched again at 11.30 Sunday morning, this time on a PR exercise at the Sandown regatta, where later in the day a demonstration was to be carried out with the rescue helicopter, the lifeboat was tasked at 12.55 to a 6m dive rib the “Diversions” with 3 persons on board which had run out of fuel 3 ½ miles east of Dunnose Point. Arriving on scene at 13.15 a tow was quickly established and the Rib was towed back to the St Helens buoy off Bembridge where the Portsmouth lifeboat was waiting to take over the tow to return the Rib to Hayling Island, the ribs home port. On Completion the lifeboat having released the tow then returned to Sandown still in time to carry out the demonstration as part of the regatta day. 

We were requested to Launch by Solent MRCC to assist a 28ft Motor sailor that had called Solent reporting that they suffered engine failure and being becalmed 9 miles SSW of Selsey Bill. Arriving on scene we found the vessel to be under sail and making some 3-4 knots the skipper was asked if he was still requesting a tow, he stated he would due to the fact he would need assistance in to port. The towline was passed secured and the tow into Bembridge Harbour commenced, on nearing the entrance to the channel the tow was shortened up for the trip in and once inside the casualty was brought up on the lifeboats portside and manoeuvred into the berth. On completion  we returned to station, the lifeboat rehoused and made ready for service again by 10:20

We were requested to Launch by Solent MRCC to assist the 36ft sailing yacht   who had broadcast a Pan Pan message stating that their engine had overheated and they reported being becalmed 10 miles S of Selsey Bill. Arriving on scene we found the vessel to be under sail and making some 4 knots, the skipper was asked if he was still requesting a tow, he declined saying that as the wind had increased he was quite happy with the conditions and would be making for Bembridge to anchor up. They were asked if they were suffering from fatigue they replied it was not too bad and they would like to carry on, asked if they had a radio onboard, they said they had a hand held radio but the battery was low but he had a cell phone but it was out of range. we returned to station, the lifeboat rehoused and made ready for service again by 08:00

We were requested to launch by Solent MRCC to assist in the search for a 26ft vessel sinking in the vicinity of East Cowes with 7 persons onboard. On launching  we were informed that only the vessels bow was 3-4ft above the water. The persons were located by a RIB on exercise and passed to us,  we then handed them over to the ambulance service in the camber dock area within Portsmouth Harbour. On completion we  returned to station, the lifeboat was rehoused and made ready for service again by 03:40

We launched at 03:40 to assist the 42ft yacht “Madrugada” that had suffered rigging failure in position 50° 42.97N - 000° 59.64W. The incident had occurred whilst they were south of Ventnor at around  and they sailed up towards the Solent thinking they could get into Portsmouth Harbour and send someone up the mast to clear it, having got off Bembridge they could not proceed any further into Solent due to the North Westerly wind they then dropped the mainsail and started to motor but they could not steer, the bow was continually being blown off course. Making best speed we arrived on scene to find the vessel had its spinnaker wrapped around the forestay in three places with two balloons of spinnaker filling with wind making it difficult for them to head up to wind. The Towline was made ready and the casualty crew ready to accept it the Lifeboat was brought along the casualties St’bd side matching the speed the spinnaker was creating about 5 knots, the heaving line was passed and the lifeboat drew away paying out the towline, once secured the lifeboat was brought head to wind and the tow into Portsmouth Harbour commenced. Once near the entrance the lifeboat was manoeuvred down towards the casualty to shorten the tow and to get a feel of how much and how quick the wind spun her around prior to entering Portsmouth Harbour, once inside the casualty was brought up along our portside and secured and manoeuvred into the berth at Haslar Marina where they were met by the local Coastguards. On completion we returned to station rehoused and was made ready for service again by 07:45

We were requested to launch by Solent MRCC to assist a Kite Surfer that was thought to be in difficulties to the west of the Nab Tower. On launching the Kite surfer could be seen in the distance travelling at speed so an interception course was steered, as we approached the casualty it was clear that he was fine but had a Jetski as an escort. Unable to catch the Kite Surfer, we altered course to intercept the Jetskier  who informed us that he had suffered some form of power failure, which had limited his speed and could not keep up. We offered to escort the jetskier back into Langston Harbour to which he agreed, once in the harbour he made his way ashore by the ferry landing pier and was met by the coastguard, we returned to station rehoused and was made ready for service again by 17:00

At 20:56 the Lifeboat was launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist in the recovery of a 16ft open boat that was sighted in the vicinity of the Nab Tower. The Normandy express had sighted the small vessel adrift with no one onboard. The Lifeboat proceeded to the area and once on scene searched from the Nab Tower on a course of 020° down wind, after running down sea for approximately three quarters of a mile the vessel was spotted the towline was secured and the vessels description passed to the coastguard which matched the vessel that had gone missing during the afternoon. The lifeboat secured the tow and the vessel was towed back to station and secured on our mooing for the night, on completion the lifeboat was rehoused and made ready for service again by 00:05 

The Lifeboat was launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the Ryde to Southsea Hovercraft that had broken down in the Solent with 30 passengers onboard. En route it was discovered that the only communications the Coastguard had, were with the booking office, as we approached Noman’s land Fort we could see one hovercraft proceeding into the Ryde terminal, with the other one up and running about three quarters of a mile astern of it. It too proceeded into the terminal at Ryde, Solent were informed of this and shortly we were stood down as were Portsmouth Lifeboat, we returned to station and the lifeboat was rehoused and made ready for service again by 21:00

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the 50ft Yacht Bounder that had capsized 2.5 miles south east of St Catherine’s point with 14 crew onboard. En route proceeding at best speed, it was learned from Solent via a mobile phone 999 call that the crew were all on the upturned craft and that the Coastguard Helicopter had been scrambled. The Helicopter arrived some 10 minutes before us and winched all the crew off the upturned hull, we continued and arrived on-scene to find the yacht floating upside down with its keel broken away leaving an approximately 3ft by 2ft hole where it had been, the twin rudders were both intact and there was no debris or ropes trailing in the water. There was nothing more we could so we passed its position and condition to Solent Coastguard, who then released us and the lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 16:00 

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist in the search for a crewmember of the MV Delia that was reported missing 20 miles south of Selsey Bill in the westbound shipping lane. The Selsey Lifeboat was already on-scene and searching as was the Coastguard Helicopter and many other merchant vessels transiting the area were asked to keep a sharp lookout. The Lifeboat proceeded at best speed and en route, was given by Solent the 4 co ordinates for an area search using a creeping line ahead to the east, starting at Delta, 2.2 mile legs first one to the south with a 4 cable sweep width. The on-scene weather conditions were SW 6-7 with 4-5 metre-breaking sea, which increased to 5-6 metres by midday, with the wind increasing to gale 8 from the west, the visibility in heavy rain was some times reduced down to less than ½ a mile. The conditions made it extremely difficult for lookouts on deck during the south transiting legs so the lookout was maintained through the wheelhouse windows, on the east and north going legs we were running before the seas, so lookouts were positioned by the upper steering position. The only thing spotted, were a few clumps of floating weed and we were half way through our 13^th leg when Selsey Lifeboat appeared coming towards at a range of 2 cables, we stopped and exchanged pleasantries, we reported to Solent that we had meet up with Selsey and their thoughts were that as we had both searched the area and with time elapsed, we could return to station, we returned station, the lifeboat was rehoused and was made ready for service again by 17:00

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the 60ft yacht “Western Australia Clipper” that had a crewman which had suffered a head injury onboard one-mile north of Bembridge Ledge Buoy. Once on scene the lifeboat having been made ready with fenders in position was brought up along the casualties port side and the doctor was transferred across to assess the injured crewman who was lying on the foredeck, the lifeboat having pulled clear and awaited the assessment. The doctor on investigation requested the crewman’s evacuation by stretcher, so having been made ready the lifeboat was again positioned alongside; the stretcher passed across and with the help of the casualty’s crew the injured crewman was strapped into the stretcher. Once ready the lifeboat was again positioned alongside and the casualty transferred across to the lifeboat as was the doctor, on completion the lifeboat made best speed for Portsmouth Harbour where the injured crewman was passed over into the hands of the waiting ambulance crew, our stretcher was then recovered and the lifeboat returned to station and was made ready for service again by 00:10

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the 33ft yacht Knights Challenge that was thought to have struck an underwater object and was taking water south of St Catherine’s point. The Lifeboat proceeded at best speed and having made the salvage pump ready arrived on-scene to find the yacht making her own way under sail, the crew 6 were coping with the water ingress using a manual pump and hand bailing in shifts. Because of the conditions the casualty was instructed to sail into Sandown Bay where it would afford some protection prior to the Mechanic being transferred to assess the situation. With the yacht still under sail it was deemed prudent to lower the sails and use the motor for the transfer, with this done and the casualty on a heading of 040° and making about 3 knots the lifeboat having already rigged the fenders down her portside was manoeuvred up alongside, but on the first run in the casualty broached to starboard, the lifeboat was successfully manoeuvred hard astern to avoid hitting her, the second run was completed without trouble and the mechanic was transferred across. After a brief inspection, it was not possible to limit the ingress of water but it was containable. The casualty was able to make 4 knots using her own power; but as the tide was on the ebb it was deemed prudent to tow the vessel and take her into Portsmouth Harbour, so the towline was made ready, the lifeboat was manoeuvred down onto the casualty, the towline passed and secured, the tow commenced, once in the channel to Portsmouth harbour the tow was shortened then on entering Gosport Marina the casualty was brought up alongside the mechanic was recovered and the casualty using her own power was manoeuvred into a berth which was made ready prior to lifting later that morning. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 06:10  

We were launched to assist the 34ft Yacht “Firebird of St Helier” that was experiencing difficulties in atrocious weather conditions 10 miles south of Dunnose. The Lifeboat proceeded at best speed and arrived on-scene to find the yacht with a small storm jib set, making no head way against the severe gale force northerly wind and driving rain, the 65 year old skipper was nearly exhausted and with the two female crew and one male below decks being tossed about and suffering badly from seasickness it was not the best position to be in. The casualty was informed the only option was for the skipper to go forward and try to secure the tow once we had passed it, this was agreed, the lifeboat was positioned up sea of the casualty with the heaving line and towline made ready, the skipper made his way slowly forward with the casualty pitching heavily rising and falling some 5 metres at times, when he was ready the lifeboat was manoeuvred stern first down sea until the casualty was in range, when the heaving line was passed across and the lifeboat was manoeuvred clear paying out the line as the skipper hauled it onboard. The towline was, after a struggle made fast and the skipper have done extremely well made his way back aft to the safety of the cockpit, the towline was paid out almost its entire length and the slow tow commenced. The casualty was called on the VHF and asked if everything was as well as could be expected, the skipper said he was concerned that the cleat holding the towline wouldn’t hold, we assured him we would take it slowly, he was also asked which port he was out of, he told us it was Cowes, we informed him that, due to being low tide by the time we reach Bembridge we would have to take him to Portsmouth, the reply was, that anywhere there was dry land would be great. With both engines just in gear we were making 1.2 knots, so for almost the first hour we made no headway northwards at all and were set ½ a mile to the west with the ebbing tide, as the tide began to ease off we progressed up towards Dunnose and the relative shelter of Sandown Bay. The tow continued up into the eastern Solent and once off the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour the towline was shortened, then once inside the casualty was brought alongside the lifeboat and manoeuvred into the berth and secured at Haslar Marina. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 07:40 

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist in the recovery of an upturned speedboat reported in the vicinity of the no 12 deepwater anchorage in Sandown bay. Whilst proceeding it was established by the high speed ferry the “Condor Express” on route to France that the vessel was only about 6 ft in length upturned and grey in colour, it was also learned from the coastguards that a dinghy belonging to a local fisherman from Ventnor Haven had gone missing overnight. Once on-scene the crew on scanning the area spotted the dinghy ½ mile away to the south, the lifeboat was brought alongside and the dinghy was heaved onboard. The description that was passed to the Coastguard matched the one given by the local fisherman who was actually steaming to our position, so we waited for him to come alongside then passed the dinghy across. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 10:30 

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the 22ft motor vessel “Petit Corsair” that had issued a Pan Pan, suffered engine failure and drifting 2 cables NE of St Helens fort. Once on-scene it was established that there were 2 Adults and one child of two years old onboard on passage back to Chichester Harbour from Bembridge harbour, due to the conditions it was decided to tow the vessel back into Bembridge, the towline having been made ready was passed across and Secured. Due to the sea state a long tow was established to make life a little more comfortable for the mother and son in the fore cabin. Once in the lee of the land and the confines of the channel the tow was shortened and the tow continued up into the harbour itself where the casualty was brought up along our starboard side secured, manoeuvred along side the berth and passed over into the hands of the waiting local Coastguards. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 17:00

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the yacht "Troublemaker" that had sent out a Mayday broadcast stating that she had hit an underwater object, lost her steering, the fore sail was destroyed she was drifting in the NE Shipping lane requiring immediate assistance. Our ETA was give as 05:30 local time, another yacht the “Kuri” was proceeding to standby until we arrived, at 04.20 we learned that the casualty had stared his engine and with his steering appearing to be ok was heading north. Once on-scene it was found that the yacht was making around 4 knots but rolling and broaching heavily in the conditions and although one person onboard was suffering seasickness it was decided prudent to escort the casualty back into her homeport of Portsmouth. So started the long journey back ETA was given as 11:30 local and once back in Portsmouth harbour the escort was handed over to the Portsmouth voluntary harbour patrol vessel, which escorted the casualty into her berth. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 12:30 

31/12/06

21:30

The Lifeboat was launched at the request of Solent MRCC after Red Flares were sight in the St Helens anchorage area. The lifeboat was proceeding to the area, when it was established by Solent that the flares had been fired in error by a by a vessel anchored in the roads for the new year festivities. The Lifeboat returned to station and was rehoused.  

We were launched at the request of Solent MRRC to assist in the evacuation of the Chief Engineer from the Cargo Vessel " Monika " that had dislocated his shoulder and needed medical attention. The Monika was making her way for the anchorage in St Helens roads and the initial information given had her being there within 20 minutes so the launch was not hurried to allow her to come up to anchor. After launching and contacting the vessel it was found the she still had some 40 minutes to run to the anchorage, so after a discussion with Solent and with the Masters agreement the lifeboat rendezvoused with the vessel 1 mile ESE of the Ledge buoy. Once on scene the “ Monika ” speed was reduced from 6.6 knots to 4 knots, fenders were rigged and the Lifeboat was brought up along its portside and once in position the casualty was assisted into the wheelhouse where he was made comfortable for the trip into the Camber Docks, where it was met by an awaiting ambulance. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 01:30

The ALB was launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the 26ft folk boat “Sula of Hamble” that had suffered engine failure and being unable to sail against the tide had anchored in 41 metres of water in St Catherine ’s deep. The tide on the ebb was about 4 knots and was causing some concern to the tired crew, The ALB proceeded at best speed achieving 24 knot on the way there once on scene the Lifeboat was brought up alongside and a crewman was transferred across to assist with rigging the tow line. Having completed that the anchor warp was cut and the Lifeboat towed the casualty into Portsmouth Harbour where she was berthed in Haslar marina. The Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for again by 09:15

The ALB was launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the Dive RIB “Eagle” that was conducting dive operations 2 miles SE of Dunnose, the ALB proceeded at best once on scene found that the dive boat Trojan was along side the casualty standing by. The ALB took the towline and proceeded at best speed back into Langston Harbour where the Casualty was handed over to waiting Coastguard’s. The Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service by 17:00

The ALB was launched to assist a dismasted yacht 11 miles south of the Nab Tower, the lifeboat made best speed to the casualty’s updated position but we were unable to DF it at five miles or pick it up on radar, at three miles we could DF it, but still nothing on radar, so on nearing the position at a range of a mile and a half with Solent’s permission the casualty fired off a white collision flare which was seen and on us nearing the casualty we could just make out the stern light. Arriving on scene we found the casualty laying broadside to the weather, the mast had broken in two places and was strewn over the deck and down over the starboard side, two of the five man crew were trying to pull the mast up and secure it to the deck which took some time but they achieved it, the Lifeboat stood up weather and supplied the illumination. On completion of that the skipper thought he would be able to motor under his own power if we could check out astern as to whether any lines were trailing in the water, we could not possible see without getting to close and there was a chance that if there wasn’t already some over the side, they could be possible washed over at a later stage, after consultation with the coastguards it was decided to tow the casualty to which they agreed, but we would have to stand off whilst the crew rigged a bridle. So for some minutes the Lifeboat again stood up sea and illuminated the vessel, once completed the Lifeboat was brought up from a position ahead of the casualty and was manoeuvred across sea towards the bow once in range the heaving was thrown onboard, it was pulled in and once the tow line was onboard it was secured to the bridle, the Lifeboat was slowly manoeuvred away whilst the two crewmen returned to the cockpit and the tow commenced. The weather was on the port beam for the tow back but went well and on nearing the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour the casualty was informed that we would be shortening the tow to enter the channel and once inside the casualty would be brought up along our starboard side and manoeuvred into the berth at Haslar marina, this was completed the casualty was secured alongside and was passed over to the local Coastguards. The Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 04:00  

17:05

26/08/06

09:16

The ALB was launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the 50ft MFV "Johnny Eager" that had lost all power and was drifting off the new grounds Buoy. The Lifeboat towed the casualty back to its station and secured it on the Lifeboat mooring ready for a tow back to Cowes by Attrill’s boatyard on the 29^th Aug.

23/08/06

16:40

The ALB was launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist Yarmouth and Selsey lifeboats in the search for the missing 27ft yacht "Ouzo" that was reported leaving Bembridge Harbour on Sunday 20^th August at 19:30. A search was conducted south of the Island in conjunction with the Coastguard Helicopter India Juliet; the helicopter spotted the other two-crew members of the “Ouzo” 5 miles south of Dunnose point, unfortunately there were no signs of life, which were recovered by the Yarmouth Lifeboat and taken into Portsmouth harbour. As yet no wreckage has been found as yet and the enquiry is on going.

22/08/06

11:16

12/08/06

01:10

04/08/06

18:40

21/07/06

17:20

25/06/06

18:56

The ALB was launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the 32ft Yacht "Joyful" that had hit an underwater obstruction and had damaged her steering gear 24 miles south of St Catherine’s on a bearing of 195 ° The Lifeboat having 32 miles to run made best speed towards the casualty, on route learning that the casualty was undertow from another yacht the "Summer Song" but was only making four knots with the tide. The Lifeboat intercepted the casualty and tow at 20:30 and once on scene the tow was released and the "Summer Song" was freed to continue her passage. The ALB was brought up along the casualty’s starboard side and the towline passed once secured the long tow back to Bembridge Harbour commenced. On arrival at the entrance to Bembridge Harbour the towline was shortened and the passage through the channel commenced, once inside the casualty was placed alongside the berth and passed over into the hands of the local Coastguards. The Lifeboat returned to station was re-housed and made ready for service again by 01:50 

06/06/06

00:09

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist a single-handed yachtsman on the 35ft Catamaran "Channel Clipper" that had fouled its anchor close in on a lee shore under Ventnor. On trying to recover the anchor, had resulted in pulling the windlass from the foredeck, which rendered the casualty unable to recover it in the sea conditions, had the anchor been buoyed off and let go, the casualty would have probably been aground before he could have got back into the cabin and motored out into deeper water. The lifeboat proceeded at best speed and arrived on scene 30 minutes after launching to find the casualty riding heavily on the anchor chain (no warp) with two vessels moored on its stern one each side, a 4 metre RIB with an outboard on the starboard side and a 5 metre fishing dory again with a small outboard on the port, which were also riding heavily on short lines. On viewing the surrounding area with the searchlights prior to going in we found numerous mooring buoys and pot lines littered about, so the lifeboat was manoeuvred through them and brought head to sea some 30 metres to seaward, the Grappling Iron was made ready and with the search lights focused on the surrounding area the Lifeboat was manoeuvred stern first down onto the casualty and when in range with only a metre under the keel the grapple was heaved over the anchor chain first go and held tight so as not to let it slide off, as the Lifeboat slowly pulled ahead, the grapple slid down the chain until the line came tight, then  more power was applied and the anchor came free. The casualty was towed out into deeper water it was decided to escort him back to Bembridge and place him on our mooring. As we were out and into deeper water now and the anchor chain was not long enough to reach the seabed it was decided to recover the grapple and allow him to recover his anchor by pulling it up by hand, so the lifeboat was again manoeuvred stern first down onto the casualty and our grapple recovered his anchor was let go but unfortunately with the boat pitching heavily he was unable to recover it, so the Lifeboat was brought around the casualties stern and missing the other two vessels was brought up on his Starboard side and after two attempts a crewman was transferred across. Some 15 minutes had elapsed and all gone well, when the casualty radioed the lifeboat to say that one of his engine’s overheat alarm had gone off, we informed the casualty back that would tow him back to our station and required him to stop motoring and our crewman onboard to assist in passing and securing the tow, so the Lifeboat was again positioned up sea and manoeuvred down on him the towline passed and secured by our crewman, on completion the Lifeboat started the slow tow back to station. It was shortly after starting the tow that the 5 metre fishing dory broke adrift, so the Lifeboat was manoeuvred around with the tow still connected and recovered the dory, a line was secured around its forward thwart and was made fast to the port bollard the tow was again commenced back to station. Once back at the station the tow was released and the casualty used his own power to pick up our mooring, once secured the lifeboat was again manoeuvred alongside all was found to be ok, his intentions were to go up to Cowes later that morning, his details were obtained, our crewman was recovered and the casualty was left to a peaceful few hours sleep. The lifeboat was rehoused, washed off and made ready for service again by 04:00    

05/06/06

10:58

The ALB was launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the Yacht "Sunsail 21" that had sent out a Pan Pan emergency broadcast declaring she had a fire onboard in a position north of the North Sturbridge Buoy. The Lifeboat made best towards the casualty, on route learning that the helicopter was also on route the skipper had fired two fire extinguishers into the engine room sealed the door and the fire was now thought to be out. A RIB in the area had taken off 5 crewmembers leaving the skipper and first mate onboard as the main sail was still up. Once on-scene the lifeboat was manoeuvred along side and the Mechanic was transferred across to assess the situation, and to ascertain that the fire was extinguished. On completion a "Sunsail" RIB that had been sent out from Portsmouth  connected a towline and towed the casualty into Portsmouth Harbour . On completion the lifeboat returned to station was rehoused, refuelled, and made ready for service again by  12:30

06/05/06

12:25

29/04/06

02:15

We were launched at the request of Solent MRRC after the 35ft yacht “Seneto” had reported having fouled her propeller and rudder late Friday afternoon, being unable to cut it free, were drifting about in a calm seas near the main shipping lanes. The ALB proceeded at best speed and rendezvoused with the yacht at 03:30, the towline was passed and the slow steam back into the Solent commenced. The yacht was placed on the Lifeboat mooring off the station and “Seastart” a small breakdown service vessel came and towed her into Portsmouth Harbour. The Lifeboat was rehoused and made ready for service again by 08:00 

14/04/06

13:15

We were launched at the request of Solent MRRC after a “Pan Pan” message was received from the 30ft yacht Kylidh that was taking on water 18 miles south of the Island. The yacht was under sail and making just over 6 knots on a course of due north, the ALB proceeding at best speed rendezvoused with the casualty some 12 miles south of Bembridge. The Lifeboat Mechanic was transferred across to assess the situation, it was found that the water ingress was seeping in from the lower part of the Rudder stock and could not be stopped, although the amount that was coming in was relatively small the crew were still having to pump out every 10 minutes or so. Due to the fact the casualty was sailing well under her own power, it was decided to escort her up into the Solent and release her to continue her passage on into the Hamble River where arrangements had already been made to lift her out.   On completion the lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service by 18:00 

05/04/06

21:10

We were launched at the request of Solent MRRC to assist in the evacuation of an unwell crewmember suffering renal problems from a chemical tanker the “Chaira DP” anchored SW of the Nab Tower. Unclear at the time of launching as to whether the casualty was walking wounded or a stretcher case, extra crew were taken as a precaution to assist should a stretcher be needed, the Lifeboat made best speed and rendezvoused with the casualty vessel some 15 minutes later. On route it was established that the casualty was a walking wounded and the boarding ladder would be swung down the port quarter and was ready in position on our arrival, the lifeboat moved in and her starboard shoulder was positioned alongside the ladder; crewmembers were positioned fwd by the ladder to assist the casualty onboard, this done he was placed into the wheelhouse and monitored by our paramedic crewmember. The Lifeboat made best speed back to the station was rehoused up into the house and the casualty was transferred off the lifeboat and passed into the hands of the waiting ambulance crew, the Lifeboat was then lowered back down the slipway washed off and rehoused as normal then made ready for service again by 22:30 

12/03/06

18:40

We were launched at the request of Solent MRCC to assist the 21ft racing yacht “Mad Dog” after she had requested assistance, having lost her steering 8 miles south of St Catherine’s Point. On launching the ALB proceeded at best speed, the initial position was given as 50° 26.00N - 001° 18.00W some 8 miles South of St Catherine’s point, with allowing for the fact they were still under sail and holding a 060 °course, the Lifeboat made best speed towards the casualty position. With the Coastguard receiving only weak communications from her hand held radio an updated position gave her having travelled almost 5 miles in 30 minutes and a revised ETA to the Coastguards given, after some minutes the casualty was contacted again by the Coastguards and asked if they had their navigation lights switched on, they replied they had and on request gave a slow count to 10, a D/F bearing confirmed the radar target as only 1.75 of a mile away but we were still unable to see her mast head lights. Once on-scene it was established that the casualty was steering using an oar and that both the crew were cold fatigued, but otherwise ok It was decided that in the bitterly cold conditions the best policy would be to transfer her crew across to the Lifeboat and to tow the vessel back to its home port. The casualty was asked to lower its sails and make ready to be evacuated, the Lifeboat was brought up alongside the casualty, the towline passed and secured, a stern line was run out and secured the lifeboat then turned a ran down sea to limit the rolling motion whilst her crew were transferred across and one Lifeboat crew transferred back across to set the drogue, once completed the crewman transferred back to the lifeboat, the tow was then commenced into there home port of Chichester Harbour. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 00:45  

20/02/06

12:35

At around 12:10 the 37ft Yacht "Sunsail 35" ran aground trying to enter Bembridge harbour on a rising tide with the wind blowing NNE 6-7 the conditions were rather unpleasant and the yacht was being heavily pounded and pushed further ashore with each wave that broke. Asking Solent MRCC for assistance, the coastguards asked the yacht to use its engine to get off and being unable to do so, requested the immediate launch of the ILB, but after consultation between the Coxswain and the LOM, it was decided that in the prevailing weather conditions the ALB would be better suited.

The ALB launched at 12:35 and proceeded to the main channel entrance and following the channel inwards arrived on-scene shortly after, the casualty was found to be laying port beam to the seas with its anchor down and pounding heavily on the sand. The Lifeboat was brought head to sea in the tight channel and reversed down onto the casualty keeping clear of the anchor chain once in range the heaving line was thrown onboard the yacht and the crew were told to pull it in whilst the Lifeboat pulled clear paying out the line, this done, the towline made fast, the anchor recovered and stowed the Lifeboat slowly took up the strain, due to the narrowness of the channel a short tow was established and the Lifeboat  towed the casualty out into deeper water where she was asked whether her engine was running if so was it ok and was there any signs of damage or water ingress below decks, having established all was well, the towline was recovered and she continued under her own power back to Portsmouth Harbour.  Solent MRCC were informed all was well, the Casualty was returning to Port Solent under his own power and we were returning to station at 13:17

22/10/05

12:14

We were launched at the request of Solent MRSC to assist with the evacuation of the Master of the Russian Merchant ship "Bopohx” who had fallen over onboard and damaged his right hand and arm. The Lifeboat made best speed and en route ascertained that the boarding ladder was rigged on the ships portside, arriving on-scene the lifeboat was positioned alongside the casualty and the Master and the 3rd mate were transferred across to the lifeboat. The Lifeboat pulled clear whilst the they were made comfortable in the wheelhouse, once completed the Lifeboat made best speed for Bembridge Harbour and was berthed on Fisherman’s pontoon and the Casualty’s were transferred into the hands of the waiting Paramedic and Local Coastguards. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 14:00

 04/10/05

 22:57

We were launched at the request of Solent MRSC to assist the 22ft yacht "Tien Mou" which was on passage from Brighton to Portsmouth and was unsure of its position south of the Island. Solent MRSC had D/F the casualty as bearing of 135° off the St Boniface aerial and the lifeboat proceeded towards that position at best speed, on crossing Sandown bay the lifeboat called the casualty but was unable to make contact, but the Coastguard did and obtained another D/F bearing of 123 ° with a large vessel lit up nearby. Some 5 minutes later we were able to obtain a D/F bearing and we arrived on-scene some 10 minutes later. It was assessed that although the casualty had an auxiliary engine that was working it would be quicker to tow the vessel, so the lifeboat was manoeuvred along the casualty’s portside and one crewmember was transferred to assist in rigging the tow. Once completed, the tow to Bembridge commenced, the tow was released at the entrance to Bembridge Harbour and the lifeboat escorted the casualty under her own power into the harbour where she was secured alongside the visitor’s pontoon

03/10/05

20:55

Launched at the request of Solent Coastguard to assist the Pilot Vessel “Victorious” which had reported an engine room fire in a position just East of the Nab East buoy. The pilot vessel “Hampshire” was already on scene and had taken the crew of 3 off after they had closed down the engine room and activated the Fire extinguishers. The lifeboat arrived on scene and the “Hampshire” was manoeuvred alongside the Lifeboat and the casualty’s 3 crew were transferred from the “Hampshire” to the lifeboat, the pilot vessel then pulled clear and continued with her duties, whilst the lifeboat was then manoeuvred alongside the casualty’s portside and the transfer of 2-lifeboat crewmembers and 1 of the pilot cutters crew back on board with a salvage pump to assess the situation. Smoke was still seen coming out of the engine room but no flames and the deck was only slightly warm to the touch so the lifeboat crew assisted in connecting the tow and the Lifeboat proceeded to tow the casualty towards Portsmouth Harbour. The Casualty’s owners had called the Tug “Jack James” and the transfer of the tow took place near the Warner buoy. Once completed the lifeboat then escorted the tug and tow monitoring the situation, as the tow into Portsmouth and alongside the berth in the camber docks was completed and the casualty was passed over to the Fire Service. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station and was made ready for service again by 00:20 

16/09/05

19:58

We were launched at the request of Solent MRSC to assist the 38ft Sigma Yacht “Wavetrain” with 9 persons onboard that had broadcast a Mayday distress call, after colliding with a Large Tanker the “Minera Nike” at anchor in the deep water Anchorage off Sandown Bay. On route it was established the yacht had got tangled around the tankers unused anchor and had been dismasted, on trying to extricate itself the yacht had managed to foul its propeller with its sails and rigging that were hanging over the starboard side, a line was thrown from the tanker and made fast, but due to the rough conditions it soon parted and the yacht drifted free. As we closed in on its position 2 red parachute flares were fire from the yacht and also a Sand-Dredger which was in the area assisted by shining a spot light on to the casualty. Once on-scene lines were rigged for and aft and the fenders positioned the lifeboat was manoeuvred along the yachts portside which was laying beam on to the sea and was rolling quite heavily even with the Sand-Dredger providing a lee. This was done and the yacht secured, the lifeboat then manoeuvred head to sea and 5 of the crew were transferred onto the lifeboat, whilst a lifeboat crewman was transferred across to the yacht to assist in rigging the towline and cutting free the mast rigging and sails which would hamper its towing, but it was decided against cutting it free due to the fact, that if cut free it could pull the propeller shaft out of the yacht and cause more trouble. So the tow was made secured and the long tow back into Portsmouth Harbour at 4 knots commenced, once near the harbour entrance the tow was shortened and the casualty taken up into the harbour where the casualty was brought up alongside the lifeboat and carefully manoeuvred alongside the pontoon in Gosport Marina and moored up. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was recovered and made ready for service again by 01:00

 15/09/05

 13:31

We were launched at the request of Solent MRSC to assist the French Yacht “Children’s Corner” that had broadcast a Mayday, in French being unable to speak any English, the only position the coastguards had, was gained was from a D/F bearing of somewhere between Bembridge and the Warner buoy. A few minutes after launching was we could see a yacht aground by the No 6 Buoy in the entrance to Bembridge Harbour and on obtaining a D/F bearing fix confirmed this, being nearly low tide, we were unable to get the ALB in so the ILB was launched at 13:45. It rendezvoused with the ALB and 1 crewman was transferred to add extra weight as by this time the yacht was starting to heal over, the ILB quickly transferred two crew to the yacht and established the tow, the Mainsail and Jib were raised to assist in heeling the yacht more and slowly she came free, but unfortunately there was insufficient water in the channel for her to float in so its anchor was laid and it would be a long wait till around 19:00 for her to refloat again.  

30/08/05

21:35

We were launched for the second time today at the request of Solent MRSC to assist in the evacuation of a sick passenger from the QE II at 21:35 in the Nab Channel. In Communications with the liner whilst on route the Lifeboat arrived on-scene to find she had slowed her speed down to 3knots and she was just completing the lowering of a docking platform to ease the transferee of the casualty. Once complete the lifeboat was brought up alongside and secured to the platform, 2 passengers and baggage were transferred across and placed into the wheelhouse, the Lifeboat pulled clear and made for Portsmouth Harbour, whilst the QE II continued her 3 week passage to Canada. Once inside Portsmouth Harbour the Lifeboat made her way into the camber docks, where a waiting Ambulance was there to meet us. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was recovered and made ready for service again by 00:15

 30/08/05

 06:25

We were launched at the request of Solent MRSC to assist in the evacuation of a sick crewman onboard the Large Merchant Vessel the “Contaz Trader” which on-route to rendezvous at the Nab Tower at 07:00 Tuesday morning. On-on scene, the Lifeboat asked for the pilot ladder to be rigged on the Starboard side, the Vessel then reduced her speed down to 4 Knots and the Lifeboat made her approach. Once alongside the crewman was helped down the ladder and onboard along with his baggage and an Interpreter. The Lifeboat then made best speed into Portsmouth Harbour and the camber docks, where a waiting Ambulance was there to meet us. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station was recovered and made ready for service again by 08:00

23/08/05

19:17

The Lifeboat was launched at the request of Solent Coastguard to assist the 23’ yacht “Dorset Lily” with 2 Persons on board that had sustained a rigging failure and under their auxiliary power were unable to cope with the deteriorating weather conditions. The Lifeboat launched at 19:34 into a force four wind and moderate sea, and rendezvoused with the “Dorset Lily” which was 3 miles SW of Selsey Bill, 22 minutes later. Arriving on-scene a towline was passed and secured and the yacht towed into the safety of Chichester Harbour. Once inside the harbour and now in calmer waters the yachts engine was able to cope, the tow was released and the yacht made its own way into the Sparks marina. The Lifeboat returned to Bembridge and was rehoused at 21.40.

 22/08/05

 10:07

The Lifeboat was launched at 10:16 the request of Solent Coastguard to assist the 30’ Motor Cruiser “Barney II” which had managed to foul its propeller with a car tyre. The “Barney II” was on passage from Gosport to Brighton and was now anchored in a position 3 miles North of the Station. The Lifeboat rendezvoused with the casualty 10:25 in a slight sea, once on-scene the towline was run out and passed to the casualty and secured, the strain was taken up whilst the casualty’s anchor was recovered and the tow back into Portsmouth Harbour commenced. Once inside Portsmouth Harbour the casualty was brought up alongside the Lifeboat and was manoeuvred into a berth at Gosport Marina. On completion the Lifeboat returned to station and was rehoused at 12:00

 14/08/05

 16:07

 The Lifeboat was launched at the request of Solent Coastguard to assist the 33’ Westerly Ocean class yacht the “Free spirit” which had broadcast a “Pan Pan” message stating that the yachts forestay had broken and the crew of three were concerned that the mast would collapse. The “Free spirit” was returning from St Vasst in France when the stay broke off in a position of off Dunnose point .The Lifeboat rendezvoused with the casualty some 6 1/2 miles south of the Bembridge at 16:26, in a moderately rough sea and force five wind 19 minutes after the launching, whilst on route to the casualty the yachts crew had managed to jury rig a securing line to the mast which appeared to be holding. Once on-scene a crewman was transferred onto the yacht to assess the situation. With the temporary repairs holding the decision was taken to escort the yacht back to Portsmouth. With a best speed through the water of 3 to 4 Knots and with the repair still holding, once in the calmer waters of the Solent it was concluded that the yacht was proceeding very well and no further assistance was required. Upon reaching the Warner buoy at 18:44 the Lifeboat crewman was recovered to the Lifeboat and the Free spirit allowed to continue into Portsmouth Harbour under her power. The Lifeboat then returned to station and was re-housed at 18.55

 07/08/05

 01:40

We were launched at the request of Solent MRSC to assist the 10.5 metre Motor-Sailor "Orton Lady" that had broken down and was drifting some 10 miles S of Bembridge. The Lifeboat launched and proceeded at best speed, arriving on-scene at 02:22 the Lifeboat was positioned up wind, manoeuvred down on to the casualty and the towline passed once secured the tow commenced. Due to the falling tide the casualty was towed to the Lifeboat mooring off the station and arrangements with a local Boatyard made to assist the casualty into Bembridge Harbour later that morning and rectify the problem. On completion the Lifeboat then returned to station was rehoused and made ready for service again by 05:45

31/07/05

10:25

We were launched at the request of Solent MRSC to assist the 24’ Fishing Boat "Stingray" with one person on board, that was broken down some 25 miles SSE of Bembridge. The Lifeboat launched and proceeded at best speed arriving on-scene at 11:56  The fishing vessel the “Valkyrie” had established a tow with the “Stingray” and towed her out of the dangerous main shipping lane where she was safely anchored, having determined that the breakdown was caused by a broken power steering belt, once alongside, the Lifeboats mechanic was transferred to the Stingray and with a replacement belt he was able to work his magic and affect a repair which got the boats engine running again. The Lifeboat escorted the “Stingray” back to Bembridge with no further incident, arriving off the Lifeboat Station the mechanic was transferred back to the Lifeboat and the “Stingray” continued on her way to Portsmouth whilst the Lifeboat was re-housed at 13.55 .     

 19/07/05

 21:35

We were launched at the request of Solent MRSC to assist the 11metre Fishing Vessel  "Cloudy" which, had fouled its propeller and steering gear with his own nets and was drifting in a position close to the Warner buoy. The Lifeboat launched and proceeded at best speed arriving on-scene, was positioned up tide of the casualty the towline was run out, the Lifeboat was then manoeuvred down onto the casualty’s bow the towline passed and made fast to the Casualty bow. The Lifeboat then moved clear and slowly took up the strain and the tow towards Portsmouth Harbour commenced. Once inside the Harbour the casualty was brought up along the Starboard side of the lifeboat and secured for alongside tow into the Camber Docks where it was manoeuvred into its berth and handed over to the local Coastguards. The Lifeboat then returned to station was rehoused at 23:35

 10/07/05

 18:15

The 9.5 metre Motor Cruiser  "Barneys Dream" which had suffered a total power failure and was drifting in a position 5 miles S of St Catherine's point The lifeboat arrived on-scene and , the Lifeboat Mechanic was transferred across to attempt to rectify the problem. Whilst that was going on the towline was run out and made fast to the Casualty's bow, the Lifeboat then moved clear and the tow towards their destination port of Chichester Harbour commenced. It soon became clear from the Mechanics communications that there was a major problem with the electrics and he stayed onboard whilst the tow continued towards Chichester. It was arranged that Hayling Lifeboat would pickup the tow at the Chichester Bar Beacon and continue it into Chichester Harbour. Once in the area of the Chichester Bar Beacon the Mechanic was transferred back across the tow released and passed over to the Hayling Lifeboat. The Lifeboat then returned to station was rehoused at 22:00

 18/06/05

 21:50

A Medivac off the yacht "Sea Maid", a female crewmember of the yacht had crushed her hand in the winch, she was transferred to the Lifeboat and landed ashore in Bembridge Harbour and passed over to the local Coastguards and paramedic the Lifeboat then commenced the original task the "Sancere" at 22:30

 18/06/05

21:44

The 25ft Angling vessel "Sancere" with 2 POB had suffered a blown head gasket 2 miles SW of the Nab Tower, she was towed into her home port of Portsmouth Harbour. The Lifeboat then returned to station was rehoused at 01:00

 04/06/05

 15:20

The 42ft Yacht "Misty" with 3 POB had fouled her propeller and was unable to recover her anchor, with the assistance of Sandown & Shanklin Rescue the anchor was recovered and the yacht was towed into Portsmouth Harbour. The Lifeboat then returned to station was rehoused at 18:15

01/06/05

21:28

To assist the 26ft Yacht "Cathy Ann" which had reported meeting adverse conditions, in position 17 miles SSW of Bembridge. The Lifeboat made best speed towards the casualty, with the Coastguard receiving weak communications from her, the Coastguard had D/F the casualty using the St Boniface Aerial which put her on a bearing of 178°T we radioed some 15 minutes later and were able to obtain a D/F fix, indicating her further drift to the NE, Some 10 minutes later were able to establish better communications with the casualty and were able to pick him up on radar in position some 3.5miles to NE of the init