Rescue crews save passengers aboard sinking yacht off Isle of Wight

The coastguard and lifeboats from the Isle of Wight were called to three people on a yacht that had begun to sink off the coast of Cowes yesterday afternoon (11^th November).

Coastguard Rescue Teams from Ventnor and Cowes RNLI were called to the 12-metre (40-foot) yacht after it collided with a buoy and began to sink on its way to Cowes Habour.

The three passengers were safely rescued and brought ashore, but those involved in the operation fear that the boat may be unnavigable.

George Chastney, press officer for Cowes RNLI, said, “The boat collided with a buoy outside of Cowes and lost its rudder and began taking on water.”

“There has been a huge response to it, as well as the emergency services, the Cowes Harbour Launch is there helping out, as well as the Red Funnel Red Osprey. The three people on board have now been rescued and are being looked after by staff at the Lifeboat Station, but we fear the vessel may be unnavigable.”

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