Cowes RNLI rescue stranded sailor and dinghy
On Sunday 13 July, Cowes RNLI crew were on their way to investigate an intermittent radio transmission, when they rescued a young woman in trouble on a sailing dinghy.
The crew of the Sheena Louise launched at 2pm, having been tasked by HM Coastguard to investigate an ongoing transmission on the emergency Channel 16. While on their way towards the source of the transmission, HM Coastguard alerted the crew to a young woman in the water between Thorness Bay and Newtown Creek. The woman had been sailing a small dinghy which had taken on water and inverted, and she was unable to right it. A passing yacht had noticed her and called HM Coastguard, while a motor cruiser assisted her out of the water to safety. On arrival, the Cowes RNLI crew helped to right the dinghy and towed it to safety at Gurnard Beach.
The crew returned to Cowes RNLI Station at 4pm and washed down the lifeboat, ready for the next shout. The source of the intermittent transmission on Channel 16 was not found.
Adam Wilson, helm at Cowes RNLI, said:
“We were happy to help a sailor today. Passing boats were able to assist until we arrived and took her to safety. As a lifesaving charity staffed by volunteers, we are always happy to help anyone who gets in trouble in the water, and grateful for the support of the public.”
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RNLI media contacts
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Sofia Voudouroglou, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Deputy Press Officer 07594051372/ [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789.
About Cowes RNLI Station
Cowes Lifeboat Station is converted from a former HM Customs Watch House, the rear of which is 300 years old. It looks out onto one of the world’s busiest shipping waterways and carries out a range of interesting services every year. It is the only station to be opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.