18th-19th July 2009

Well, it was a very interesting weekend, Sea state was Mod-Rough, Vis Good-Mod and wind speed 5-7 occ 8.  This was for both days.

Saturday - Three patrols were put out, the Western Solent was quiet, but to the east, a number of taskings were placed upon other units with mariners getting caught out by variable changes in the atmospherics.

Sunday - SR1 launched at 10 o'clock and re-fuelled in Cowes.  Proceeded on patrol from 10:45.  We placed ourselves in Newtown Creek as it is Central Western Solent and allowed us to gain respite out of Mod-rough wind over tide.

Whilst moored in Newtown, a vessel called on 67 to report engine fire warning light and their fire suppression unit activating.  Upon tasking, SR1 made best speed to the casualty approximately 1 mile due east of Lymington.

SR1 were on scene within 10 minutes, albeit, rather soggy.  A side by side tow was established and the vessel was towed into Lymingtom where they were met by the Lymington CG mobile unit.

As a precautionary measure, the Fire Brigade were requested to attend to ensure the vessel was in no threat of combustion.  Luckily there was no obvious signs of the fire spreading and SR1 was released.

We then proceeded to return to station.

Upon arriving at Gull Island, we were called up by SCG to a report that a windsurfing board and sail had washed up on the Beaulieu northern river bank.  SR-1 in conjunction with Solent Coastguard, patrolled inshore as close as possible along the mudflats looking for a person in the water.  After a number of minutes, Sr1 was stood down as the wind surfer had apparently made it safely ashore.

SR1 recovered to trailer as unable to stabilise mooring due to anchor drag.

All crew did exceptionally well and we even got a can of a soft drink off the owner!


...... Except for Mr Lee who broke the mains water pipe whilst putting the tender away.  We've all been there mate, just happens you were the first one!! ;)

P.S.  You owe Mick Pintage for his repair!!