Cowes RNLI Volunteers Conduct Overnight Search on Fathers Day Eve

The crew began an extensive search, and were soon joined by Lymington RNLI who assisted in the efforts with their own inshore lifeboat.

At 12:30 AM, Cowes lifeboat was diverted to Southsea Pier to support Hampshire Police. Soon, Portsmouth RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat to take over, and the Cowes crew continued their search patterns.

The Cowes lifeboat was stood down at 3:10 AM with nothing untoward found. The crew returned to the station, and were able to head home as dawn broke.

For a search on the night before Father’s Day, the boat crew was aptly made up of four of the station's volunteers who are fathers. Helms Adam and Myles, navigator Josh and substantive crew, Andy, are now heading home to celebrate Father’s Day with their families.

Adam said: ‘Our volunteer crew are always ready to answer the pager, even on the eve of Father’s Day. We are relieved it was a false alarm and nothing was found. The caller did the right thing – if you see a lifebuoy at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Happy Father’s Day from all of us at the station.’’

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, and relies on public donations to fund its 24/7 rescue service. A special thank you to all the fathers in our volunteer crew who spent the night before Father's Day ensuring safety at sea.

– Ends –

RNLI media contacts

• Sofia Voudouroglou, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Deputy Press Officer 07594051372/ [email protected]

• George Chastney, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Press Officer 07530 254052/ [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.