Overview

• A Mayday from a 43ft motor vessel with six people aboard was issued on September 17 after loss of steering in the Solent’s main channel near Calshot Spit.
• Calshot RNLI launched the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Max Walls and found the vessel rolling heavily in Force 8 conditions.
• A volunteer boarded to assess those on board, including a 92-year-old skipper and a seasick passenger.
• The Calshot crew began a tow off Calshot due to hazards to shipping, but an anchor failed and danger persisted.
• Bembridge’s Tamar-class lifeboat took over the tow across Southampton Water while the Atlantic 85 escorted into the Hamble, and all six were brought to safety.