Ferries aid rescue after flare sighting

15/05/2019

Two ferries helped rescue a casualty after a speedboat suffered engine failure.

The Red Funnel ferry, Red Eagle, and high-speed catamaran, Red Jet 7, were asked to investigate the firing of red distress flare at Calshot.
The flare was sighted one evening in April over the Lepe Beach area and the coastguard asked the ferries to help in the search along with a coastguard helicopter 175 from Lee-on-Solent and Calshot RNLI Inshore Lifeboat, Willet.
The helicopter spotted the stricken vessel and the crew used its search light to keep the unlit speed boat in sight while Calshot’s RNLI volunteer team arrived.

The RNLI crew fixed an astern tow to the boat and towed them back to Calshot shore, from where the crew helped the casualties recover their speed boat onto their trailer.
Southampton Coastguard Rescue Team were also on hand back at Calshot RNLI Lifeboat Station to offer safety advice to the boat owner.
The Red Funnel was diverted from its Southampton-East Cowes route. A Red Funnel spokesperson told the County Press, “With our ferries crossing the Solent throughout the day, we are always happy to be on hand and assist the coastguard where possible.”
The image is courtesy of RNLI/Laura Bean.