Stranded Motor Yacht Runs Out of Fuel Off Egypt Point – Cowes Lifeboat to the Rescue!
A 12-metre motor yacht ran dry off Egypt Point in the dead of night. With no fuel left, she dropped anchor and let out all 45 metres of chain – but started dragging dangerously close to the busy shipping lane.
Emergency PAN PAN Call Sparks Lifeboat Launch
A tense PAN PAN call to HM Coastguard led to Cowes Lifeboat launching at 01:40 this morning. The situation was urgent: the tide threatened to push the powerless yacht straight into heavy traffic.
Tense Tow to Safety
The brave lifeboat crew towed the stranded yacht to the River Medina fuel barge. The tricky manoeuvre was expertly handled by a trainee helm, who guided the yacht safely alongside the barge.
Rescued Crew Wait to Refuel and Head Home
With fuel onboard, the rescued crew settled in, waiting for top-up before hopefully making a smooth journey back to Portsmouth. Fourteen volunteer crew members answered the call, wrapping up the mission just before dawn after cleaning and refuelling the lifeboat.
