2008 News Archive

A look back at 2008 SSILB news.

Wood from Ice Prince washes up in Sandown Bay

18th January 2008

On Friday the 18^th January at 18.30, whilst carrying out general maintenance to the Lifeboat, a crew member spotted a large bundle of wood nearly 5 meters long, 2.5 meters deep, weighing about 4 tones, from the stricken vessel 'Ice Prince' drift into Sandown bay, just off our Lifeboat Station, as this amount was a danger to vessels in our area it was decided to retrieve it and was lifted from the sea by are launch vehicle, it was taken to an area on the beach above the known high water line and secured.

Relevant authorities were informed, they informed the salvage company to come to retrieve it, but on Sunday the 20th of January, early morning it had been taken and the relevant authorities were informed.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat Launch Vehicle assists in retrieving the wood from the stricken vessel Ice Prince.

The 4t ones of wood washed up in Sandown Bay - Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat Station is visible in the distance.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Rescues man cut of by the tide.

28th January 2008

Today at 10.15am Solent Coastguard tasked SSILB to search for a man in his late 60's, he had been cut off by the tide at Culver Cliff and was clinging to a small alcove in the rock about 35 feet up above the water.

The man used his mobile phone to contact the Coastguard and explain were he was - he was luck as this area is normally a black spot for loss of signal for mobile phones.

SSILB found the man and directed the Bembridge cliff rescue team to his position who had arrived on top of Culver Cliff. On top of the cliff, Bembridge cliff rescue team lowered a coastguard member down to his position, after putting a harness on him he was then lowered in to the Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat.

The Gentlemen was cold but other wise unhurt apart from some abrasions to his legs, he was transferred back to our station to be in the warm, checked over and then taken back to his address by the Bembridge coastguard Team.

CLIMBER RESCUED FROM CLIFF FACE

Press Notice No: 030/08
Monday, January 28, 2008
Posted 13:59 GMT

A man was rescued from a cliff face this morning by Coastguards after he became disorientated whilst climbing at Calver, near Sandown.

The man, who is in his early sixties, called 999 from his mobile phone at 10.00 am this morning and spoke to Solent Coastguard. He requested assistance as he had become stuck about 20-30ft up a cliff, under an overhang.

Solent Coastguard sent the Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and they requested the Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat to launch. Once on scene, the team sent a cliffman down to rescue the man from his predicament on the cliff. He was taken back down the cliff, then taken by lifeboat to the lifeboat station.

Jennifer King, Acting Watch Manager at Solent Coastguard says:

We were pleased to be able to assist this man who had unfortunately become disorientated whilst climbing the cliffs. It was very foggy on the Island this morning, so not ideal conditions for this activity. Luckily, he was able to call 999, despite being stuck under the overhang and call for help.

We would recommend that those considering climbing on cliffs undertake climbing training or join a climbing club. Solo climbing can be hazardous since should you have difficulties it may be difficult to call for help. We would also strongly advise that you check weather and tidal conditions before setting out.

Posted By: Joanne Groenenberg

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401

CLIFF FACE RESCUE IN SANDOWN

A man has been rescued from a cliff face in Sandown Bay.

Solent Coastguard received a mobile phone call at quarter past ten this morning from the man in his sixties as he was clinging to a small alcove in the rock about 35 feet above the water.

The crew of Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat found him and directed the Bembridge Cliff Rescue team who lowered a man down to his position.

The lifeboat took him ashore where he's recovering from minor injuries to his legs.

CLIFF CLIMB MAN RESCUED

By Ross Findon

COASTGUARDS rescued a man in his 60s from cliffs at Culver, near Sandown, this morning (Monday).

The man contacted emergency services just after 10am after becoming disorientated while climbing up a cliff.

He was around 20 to 35ft up when found, following a search by Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team.

“It was very foggy and not ideal conditions for this activity," said Solent Coastguard watch manager Jennifer King.
“Luckily he was able to call 999 despite being stuck under an overhang.”
She added: “We would recommend that those considering climbing on cliffs undertake climbing training or join a climbing club.
“Solo climbing can be hazardous since, should you have difficulties, it might be difficult to call for help.
“We would also strongly advise that you check weather and tidal conditions before setting out.”

-

`I HAD TO CLING ON BY MY NAILS`

By Jon Moreno
Friday, February 1, 2008

A PENSIONER and former coastguard has praised the work of rescuers who saved him from plummeting 35ft on to rocks after being left clinging by his fingernails on to cliffs at Culver in Sandown.

The 69-year-old Bembridge man, who does not wish to be named, got stuck under an overhang on the cliff and was cut off by the tide on Monday morning.

The man, a retired radio officer with the merchant navy, contacted emergency services at 10am after becoming disorientated while climbing up the cliff.

He was up to 35ft above the rocks in fog, clinging onto a small alcove, when found by members of the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team.

“My plan was to walk from Bembridge and around Culver but I ran out of beach and had to start to climb over rocks. The tide was coming in and found myself about 30ft above the water. I looked back and it seemed like a sheer cliff. I felt alarmed,” he said.
“The one sensible thing I did was to bring my mobile phone, fully charged and with credit. I spent about an hour on the rocks, quite literally hanging on by my fingernails.

“There was a good 35ft drop below me onto the rocks and I was very concerned for my safety.”
A member of the Bembridge Cliff Rescue Team was lowered down from the top of the cliff. He harnessed the man and brought him down to the rescue vessel and taken to the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat unit.

The man was unharmed but suffered minor abrasions to his legs.

“I was very glad to be rescued because it was cold and my fingers were starting to get numb by the time the lifeboat arrived. I have nothing but the highest praise for the rescue team.

“I spent two years as an auxiliary coastguard on the mainland, so I should have known better,” he said.
Solent Coastguard watch manager Jennifer King said: “It was very foggy and not ideal conditions for this activity.

Luckily he was able to call 999, despite being stuck under an overhang.

“We would recommend those considering climbing on cliffs undertake climbing training or join a climbing club. Solo climbing can be hazardous since should you have difficulties it may be difficult to call for help.

“We would also strongly advise you check weather and tidal conditions before setting out.”

-

Man saved after being cut off by tide

By Will Carson

A MAN was rescued from a rocky alcove on the Isle of Wight today after he became cut off by the tide.

The man, in his late 60s, was found clinging to a rock a Culver Cliff, 35ft above the water at 10.15am.

Bembridge cliff rescue team strapped him into a harness before lowering the man from the cliff top into the waiting Sandown and Shanklin inshore lifeboat.

He was cold and had some cuts to his legs but was otherwise unhurt.

The man was then taken to Sandown and Shanklin lifeboat station before being taken back to his home by Bembridge coastguard.

Trapped man rescued from cliffs

A 69-year-old man has been winched to safety by rescuers after he became stuck on cliffs on the Isle of Wight.

The man raised the alarm on his mobile phone after becoming trapped by the tide about 30ft (nine metres) up at Culver, near Sandown.

Bembridge Cliff Rescue Team sent a winchman to rescue the man, who was taken to safety by Sandown lifeboat.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman warned people not to walk at the bottom of cliffs, even at low tide.

Sector manager Mike Forsyth-Caffrey said: "Apparently the man decided to walk from Bembridge to Sandown along the bottom of the cliffs.

"The general public should realise that this is not safely possible, even at low tide."

'Very foggy'

The man being rescued from the cliff

The 69-year-old was becoming very cold, his rescuer said

Winchman Martin Groom, who took the man to safety, added: "There was no way for the gentleman to move from his precarious position and he was getting seriously cold.

"He was lucky to have a mobile phone to call 999 Coastguard for help."

Jennifer King, Acting Watch Manager at Solent Coastguard, said: "It was very foggy on the island this morning, so not ideal conditions for this activity.

"We would recommend that those considering climbing on cliffs undertake climbing training or join a climbing club."

A Pensioner clings desperately to a narrow ledge as a rescuer is lowered down a cliff to save him.

The rambler, in his late sixties, called help on his mobile after scrambling 35 feet up rocks after he was cut of by the incoming tide at Culver Cliff, near Sandown, on the Isle of Wight.

He suffered slight cuts, was assisted by Bembridge coastguards and Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat website goes off radar

and is rescued by Netguides

16th of February 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat Website disappeared off the radar in mid January and confused everyone involved in the website.

After several hours of investigating from myself, I found that the company that hosted our website had also disappeared and was not showing at their normal website address.

Things started to become clear that something was deeply wrong, looking into this even more I found that the company had in fact sold up to an American company and with this the servers had been switched off - leaving our website off-line and many more websites in the same way.

After talks with the Lifeboat committee about the problem, it was agreed to cut our loses and find a new hosting company.

We had purchased our domain name through Netguides, who are based on the Isle of Wight in East Cowes, after a very nice chat with Roger Bee (on of the Directors of Netguides), Netguides offered Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat free hosting for our website and full support of their teams.

With Netguides help, Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat website will go from strength to strength and carry on giving the information across to our supporters that surf the web.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat crew would like to Thank Netguides for their support to Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat.

Our apologies to our on-line supporters and anyone who was trying to get onto our website whilst we resolved the matter.

Regards:

Richard Chantler - Crew Member / IT Officer.

SSILB 2nd Shout 2008

1st of March 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat was called out by the Solent Coastguard on Saturday the 1^st March at 14.50Hrs to a capsized sailing catamaran half a mile South of Culver cliff.

The two people on board could not right the vessel, due to some of the rigging being damaged and the sail could not be adjusted.

One of the men became detached from the vessel, as it was a strong westerly force 5 to 6 and the vessel was blown away from him.

Also tasked to the incident was Coastguard Helicopter Mike Uniform who was near the scene, they picked up both casualties and transferred them to the Ventnor Coastguard team waiting at Yaverland beach.

The helicopter landed on the beach to transfer the two men, they were checked over and were both cold - but ok.

SSILB righted the catamaran after removing its sails, then towed it to White cliff bay, as it was fairly sheltered compared to the westerly winds hitting Culver cliff and Yaverland.

Richard Chantler (Front) & Steve Woodhams (Back) just after they had righted the vessel.

Coastguard rescue helicopter 'Mike Uniform' after landing the casualties on Yaverland Beach.

AIR SEA RESCUE AFTER CATAMARAN CAPSIZES OFF CULVER

2nd of March 2008

Two men have been rescued from the sea near Culver cliff.

Their catamaran capsized and strong winds blew the vessel away from one of the men.

Sandown and Shanklin Lifeboat responded to the scene and a coastguard helicopter picked up both men who were landed on the beach.

Neither of them were hurt.

The lifeboat dealt with the capsized catamaran on Saturday afternoon.

TWO RESCUED FROM CAPSIZED CATAMARAN

3rd of March 2008

By Elaine Squire

TWO MEN were winched to safety by a coastguard helicopter after their catamaran capsized near Culver cliff on Saturday afternoon.

The helicopter, which was on exercise in the area at the time, rescued the men, who were in the water about 500 metres from shore, and landed them on the beach.

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat, which was also called to the scene after a 999 call from a member of the public, towed the catamaran to the shore.

Neither of the men was injured.

Fairway holiday park auction night

a real boost for

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

9th of March 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat is pleased to announce that this years Fairway Holiday auction night (8th of March 2008) has raised at least £7,000 and raised the bar on the previous year.

With the help of Bruce Jones, Mitchell the auctioneer & James Mathewman the compare, the auction was more than a success and it really shows the support given to Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat on the night.

Before the auction Bruce Jones paid a visit to the local Tesco store in Ryde, which has just opened its new Tesco's extra store, with its bigger and better range of goods.

A trolley with items worth £300 was presented to Bruce Jones by the managers from Tesco in aid of the auction night and has offered its services in the future as well.

From left to right Pat Drew Garage manager, Bruce Jones, Dan Jones Store Manager & Lynne Misun Customer service manager.

Mitchell the auctioneer, Bruce Jones & James Mathewman pulling out all the stops for SSILB.

A great night was had by all, with all the live entertainment from local musicians, magicians and slap stick from Bruce.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat crew would like to Thank everyone involved with the setting up, behind the scenes work, to Chris, Bruce, Mitchell and James for a great night and helping to support our Lifeboat.

Thank you.

SOAP STAR SUPPORT FOR LIFEBOAT

Sunday 9 March 2008

A TV soap star's helping to keep an Isle of Wight lifeboat afloat with his skills under the hammer.

Bruce Jones, the actor who played Les Battersby in Coronation Street, was at the Fairway Holiday Park in Sandown.

That's where he volunteered to take charge of an auction of sports memorabilia on Saturday night.

At least £7,000 has been raised for Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat.

The most expensive lot was a signed picture of the late rally driver Richard Burns, which fetched £520.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Website wins another prize.

1st of April 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat website wins yet another prize for being an example 'Optimize Your Website sit' with www.easyfundraising.org.uk and received £25.00 for winning the competition in March 2008.

SSILB have been using this great free service from easyfundraising, in the aid of raising funds for their Inshore Lifeboat, which needs a new boathouse and to assist in the running costs of the service which covers some 72 nautical miles South of the Isle of Wight.

Sandown & Shanklin inshore Lifeboat IT Officer Richard Chantler was e-mailed by easyfundraising Marketing & PR Manager Becky Coleman who informed him of the great news.

"We were very impressed with Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat's easyfundraising and easysearch page. It's user-friendly, colourful, contains all the information supporters need to know about raising funds with easyfundraising and easysearch. We particularly liked the use of our new easysearch search box which allows supporters to search the web and raise funds direct from the SSILB homepage. We'd like to congratulate SSILB for their hard work, we would like to urge all supporters to use easyfundraising and easysearch EVERY time they go online as every purchase and search made helps the crew continue their vital work." Becky Coleman, Marketing and PR Manager, easyfundraising.

As you may be aware, Richard does this voluntary, along with his other roles within Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat and aims to give as much information to the viewers of their website.

"The website has come on from strength to strength and has grown to what you see today. I am always looking into new ways to improve the website, whether it is a suggestion or a way to raise funds for SSILB, I stumbled on easyfundraising and was intrigued to see if this would be a benefit for SSILB. As my family are on-line shoppers, easyfundraising was a great way to raise funds whilst doing what we had been doing for years, yet not raising funds for a great cause and not at a cost onto the shopping bill. If we could get people who view our website to even do one search with the easysearch on our menu system (on the left), it will raise around 1p for that search and just think if they then use the search engine as their home page or main search engine? easyfundraising has been a real benefit for SSILB and hope that you will register with us and help support Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat whilst you shop or search on-line"

So far to date we have raised £37.41 and would love that to increase.

We will give an update on the funds raised via this great idea by easyfundraising on a regular basis.

Please help support Sandown & Shanklin inshore lifeboat by using the above link and join.

Why not just do one search on the menu search to the left of this window or even make easysearch your search engine and support Sandown & Shanklin inshore lifeboat.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Assist small fishing vessel with big problems.

5th of April 2008

The Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat was called out today at 13.25 by the Solent Coastguard to a 17ft fishing boat called 'Trei bien' in distress three quarters of a mile east of Culver cliff in a force 4 N/NE wind, with 2 adults and two children on board.

The vessel had complete engine failure.

The Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat took the vessel in tow after releasing there anchor and took it to Bembridge harbour where the Bembridge Coastguard team met us and directed us to a mooring.

Mark Birch said "The casualties were all well and it was good to see the children in good quality life jackets".

-

LIFEBOAT HELPS STRANDED FISHING VESSEL

6th of April 2008

A lifeboat team are praising the crew of a fishing boat stranded off the coast of the Isle of Wight.

The 17ft vessel's engine failed, three quarters of a mile east of Culver cliff.

It was towed into Bembridge Harbour by Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat.

A spokesman says the four people on board were not hurt and it was good to see the children in quality life jackets.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Assist small fishing vessel with man overboard.

2nd of May 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat was tasked to the fishing vessel “Brazil Nut” at 09.33 Hrs this morning to a 14 foot open boat with two persons onboard, about half a mile of Culver cliff, who had lost a man overboard and the remanding crew member could not get him back on board.

Coast guard helicopter 'Mike Uniform' was also tasked as well, MU spotted the man in the water, air lifted him to St Marys hospital where he was treated for cold and shock.

The Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat Treated the man left on the vessel for shock and warmed him up be for escorting him and his vessel back to Ryde Harbour with an SSILB crew member onboard to assist.

SSILB crew member Malcolm Hawkins (Hawko) assists onboard the “Brazil Nut” with Ryde in the backdrop.

MAN RESCUED FROM ISLAND WATERS

2nd of May 2008

A man has been airlifted to hospital after falling overboard from a boat in Island waters.

The fishing vessel, "Brazil Nut" with two people on board apparently hit a freak wave - knocking one of the men into the water - who then struggled to get back on board.

The incident happened about half a mile off Culver Cliff. Coastguard helicopter Mike Uniform was also tasked and spotted the man in the water. He was then air lifted to St Mary’s Hospital where he was treated for cold and shock.

The Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat treated the other man left on the vessel for shock and warmed him up be for taking him and his vessel back to Ryde Harbour.

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Coxswain Mark Birch said, "it was good to see both of the men wearing life jackets. We do come across some incidents where sometimes people don't wear life jackets".

FISHERMAN AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL

2nd of May 2008

By Elaine Squire

A MAN was airlifted to hospital on Friday morning after falling overboard from a fishing boat.
The vessel, Brazil Nut, was about half a mile from Culver when the man fell into the water and was unable to get back on board.

His fellow crew member, the only other person on board, immediately called for help, and the stricken man was taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, by the Solent coastguard helicopter.

He was treated for cold and shock, and later discharged.

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat arrived on the scene just after 9.30am to treat the other man on board the vessel for shock.

The crew warmed him up before towing the vessel into Ryde Harbour.

Coxswain Mark Birch said: “It looks like the vessel hit a trough and the man lost his balance. It’s quite a common thing — this is the second such incident in this area this year.
“I’m delighted the men on board did everything correctly. They radioed for help straight away and they were both wearing quality lifejackets. Because of that, they are both safe now.”

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Winter 07 > 08 Lottery is drawn.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat would like to inform all of our browsers and supporters of the following announcement.

The draw has taken place, on the 20th of May 2008, a dog walker was picked by randomly, walking past our Lifeboat Station, a Mrs Reef picked out the two winning tickets of this years winter 07>08 lottery and we are please to announce the winners.

1st Prize winner of the 40" HDTV system:

Is: Number 510 - Mrs Coombs - I.O.W

2nd Prize winner of the Sony Digital Camera:

Is: Number 1691 - Simon Squires - East Yorkshire.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat would like to congratulate all the winners.

Our 2007 > 2008 Winter Lottery was a success for the Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat and we appreciate all the support we have had over the Winter months from residents and visitors alike.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat is funded entirely by contributions from the local community and visitors to our area of the Isle of Wight.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to it's fundraising team who helped with the 2007 > 2008 Winter Lottery and gave their time voluntarily to support SSILB.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat would also like to thank the following business / persons for selling tickets for SSILB:

Shanklin News

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Assist diving RIB with power failure.

1st of June 2008

Whilst on patrol / exercise, Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat was asked for assistance by the Sandown Lifeguards, as there was a dive RIB in the surf just off their Lifeguard hut and was in need of Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat assistance.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat arrived on scene to find a 18 ft dive RIB called 'Cockle Shell' with 7 persons on board had problems with the loss of engine and a flat battery. Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat contacted Solent CG and informed them about what the owners wanted to do.

SSILB tried to start the dive RIB with jump leads (on the request of the owners) and it did not work .

So SSILB set up a tow, then towed the dive RIB back to our station, where we then tried to charge the battery (on the request of the owners) - which did not work.

SSILB then requested that SSILB towed the vessel back to Langstone where they were based and they agreed.

SSILB then towed 'Cockle Shell' to Langstone harbour to their slipway, the diving crew were very happy with our professionalism, skills, due care & attention, so much so that they gave us a very kind donation and a big thank you all round from their crew.

SSILB crew members assist the “Cockle Shell” with their power failure problem.

“Cockle Shell” on tow back to Langstone.

Lifeboat boat crew given £100 donation

2nd of June 2008

THE crew of a boat towed from the Solent by volunteer lifesavers were so grateful they gave their rescuers a £100 donation.

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat was called out by lifeguards at 1.30pm yesterday to an 18ft dive rib called Cockleshell with seven people on board after its engine failed and battery went flat.

They tried unsuccessfully to start the boat with jump leads so towed it back to their base where they tried to charge the battery, still without success.

Later they towed the vessel back to its home slipway at Langstone Harbour.

CASH THANKS FOR LIFEBOAT RESCUE

2nd of June 2008

By Richard Wright

SO GRATEFUL for their rescue were the seven people aboard a dive boat that they donated £100 to Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat.

The lifeboat was called out by Sandown lifeguards on Sunday at 1.30pm to the 18ft rigid inflatable Cockle Shell, which had suffered engine failure.

Lifeboat crew members tried to carry out repairs and eventually towed them back to Langstone Harbour slipway.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Busy day for local Lifeboat Crew

29th of June 2008

Sandown & Shanklin inshore Lifeboat and her crews had a very busy day on the 28th of June 2008, SSILB was called upon 6 times during the day, 5 tasks to the Around The Island Race and 1 task to a separate incident later on in the day - Please see news section for separate incident.

Task 1

Tasked by Solent Coastguard to a capsized 40 ft Yacht called 'Zombie' with Purple Blue hull with 7 POB on hull just off St Catherine’s, SSILB made way from Culver Cliff area, on getting closer to the incident Yarmouth RNLI AW arrived on scene and SSILB was asked to stood down from Solent Coastguard.

Task 2

SSILB then got tasked by SCG to a yellow 8 Meter rib called 'Golden Toad' just off Ventnor with Engine failure, SSILB set up a tow and towed the 'Golden Toad' to Ventnor moorings and it's crew was taken ashore to Ventnor Haven.

Task 3

SSILB was then tasked back to St Catherine’s to assist a French 35 ft Yacht with Broken Mast , The crew made the mast safe and the yachts crew made their way back under Engine power to Chichester (we presume after they finished the race).

Task 4

SSILB was then Tasked By SCG to a Yacht that had put out a MAYDAY call, the yacht was standing by a capsized Yacht 2 miles S/W off of St Catharine’s Light House, SSILB arrived on scene, managed to get close enough to find a name, other marking and was found to be the Yacht 'Zombie' from a previous incident that morning, a position was given to SCG and a salvage team was tasked.

Task 5

SSILB was then Tasked to a yacht with a tangled Spinnaker in Sandown Bay , SSILB got into the safer waters of Shanklin Bay, where their crew managed to free it and made there way back to Haslar (Again we presume after they finished the race).

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat returned to it's boathouse, where the crews refuelled and washed the Atlantic 21 down.

More in depth details can be viewed in our shout section.

-

Following written by Peter White

The Sandown and Shanklin Lifeboat was kept at full stretch as a choppy sea and windy conditions took their toll during the annual Round the Island yacht race.

The crew were called out six times on Saturday, five of the calls to deal with boats that had got into difficult negotiating the 55-mile course. There was also another separate incident later in the day.

The first call was to a capsized 40ft yacht called Zombie, but as they neared the problem they were told Yarmouth RNLI AWL had already arrived and stood down.

They were then diverted to a yellow 8-meter rib called Golden Toad off Ventnor with engine failure which was towed to Ventnor moorings and the crew taken ashore at Ventnor Haven.

The lifeboat was later called back to St Catherine’s to a French 35ft yacht with a broken mast. After the mast was made safe the yacht and made it back under engine power to Chichester.

A request came from Solent to a yacht that was standing by a capsized vessel south west of St Catharine’s Light House. Sandown coxswain Mark Birch said: “On arrival we managed to get close enough to find a name and other marking and was found to be the Yacht Zombie.
Position was given to Solent and a salvage team was tasked. “We were then called to a yacht with a tangled Spinnaker in Sandown Bay. We managed to get it into Shanklin where they managed to free it and the made their way back to Haslar".

After a refuel and wash down the lifeboat was back at sea in the late afternoon to a report of a yellow jet ski that was spotted with no one on it. Birch said: “We arrived on scene to the jet ski drifting a mile of Bembridge ledge. We then did a costal search for persons. The Coastguard helicopter also turned up and started an aerial search. The Bembridge RNLI AW Lifeboat was also tasked". “A report then came in that two men had swum back to Yaverland Sailing club and reported that they had fallen off their jet ski and could not get back to it". This was confirmed with the Bembridge Coastguard team who arrived at Yaverland and the search was stood down. We then towed the jet ski back to Yaverland Sailing Club and handed it over to the owner.”

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

involved in AIR & SEA rescue, as Jet Ski is spotted drifting off

of White Cliff Bay with no one on-board.

29th of June 2008

After a long day afloat covering the Around the Island Race, Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat received 5 tasking to assist vessels within the race, once they had returned back to their boathouse, SSILB crews re-fuelled and wash Down the Atlantic 21.

The crew who was on the boat for the day ordered some food from their local cafe and awaited their first hot meal of the day.

But they did not have time to eat as someone was in need of their help once more.....

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat called at the station via VHF to an Immediate.

SSILB was tasked to a report of a dinghy drifting off of White Cliff Bay, with 2 children on-board and were in need of Immediate assistance.

SSILB was launched and made way straight for White Cliff Bay.

Coastguard Helicopter 'Whiskey Bravo' was scrambled to assist.

Bembridge & Ventnor Coastguard teams were also tasked.

Arriving on scene SSILB crew spotted a Yellow Jet ski floating off of White Cliff Bay.

On scene SSILB was requested to do a coastal search to see if the dinghy had managed to get back to shore, that there was now 2 incidents on-going within the same area, there were reports of the dinghy drifting off of White Cliff Bay, with 2 children on-board and also a Yellow Jet ski with no one on-board and was also being taken off out to sea.

SSILB reported back that their was no dinghy in the area, shore line, only fishermen and a RIB in the bay after a search.

SSILB was then requested to assist in anything that CGH 'WB' wanted investigating and that the 2 incidents could be just one - but SCG was awaiting confirmation.

CGH 'WB' arrived on scene, drop an orange smoke on the Jet ski and SSILB went over to the Jet ski to investigate - which was now 1 mile off Bembridge Ledge.

SSILB found that the kill cord was missing and belongings in the stowage area.

CGH 'WB' started to carry out an aerial search and the Bembridge RNLI All Weather Lifeboat was tasked.

SSILB joined in searching from White Cliff Bay out to sea.

SCG then confirmed that the tasking was for the Jet Ski only and to concentrate a search for the missing person or persons.

After several mins, a report then came in that 2 men had swam back to Yaverland Sailing club, reporting that they had fallen of there jet ski and could not get back to there jet ski.

This was confirmed with the Bembridge Coastguard team and the search was stood down.

SSILB then towed the Jet ski Back to Yaverland Sailing Club and handed it over to the owner.

SSILB then returned to SSILB station, SSILB informed SCG that we had returned back to our station, SCG return SSILB crew back to pagers, SSILB crew re-fuelled and wash Down the Atlantic 21.

This time the crew managed to eat their food, just not as hot as as it was cooked.

The Jet Ski on tow by SSILB, CGH 'WB' hovers over SSILB to make sure everything was ok and then they made their way back to their base at Lee-on-Solent.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat
assists speed boat with engine failure.
12th of July 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat was called out by Solent Coastguard today to a 16ft Fletcher speed boat half a mile South of culver Cliff with engine failure with 2 adults and two children aged 9 and 12 on board.

They had made there distress call to Solent Coastguard by mobile, they were told to place their vessel at anchor and that the Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat had been tasked to them.

SSILB arrived on scene, all people on board were well and we towed them back to Yaverland Sailing Club.

It was also nice to sea all the people on board were wearing life jackets.

SSILB Atlantic 21 tows the 16ft Fletcher speed boat.

Four stranded on speedboat

14th of July 2008

By Lorraine Parker - Website - Paper on the 18th of July

A PARTY of four who had become stranded in their speedboat when it suffered engine failure were rescued by Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat on Saturday.

The lifeboat was called by Solent Coastguard to help two adults and two children, aged nine and 12, who were stranded on the 16ft Fletcher speedboat half a mile south of Culver Cliff.

They made a distress call by mobile and were told to anchor their vessel, before being towed into Yaverland Sailing Club.

Mark Birch helms the SSILB Atlantic 21 with the 16ft Fletcher speed boat under tow.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Goes Live! on Facebook.

31st of July 2008

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat are pleased to announce that we have now gone Live! with our Facebook fan base.

With the Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat Facebook fan base section, users of Facebook can now join our special fan base, where they can be kept up to date with the latest information from SSILB via updates direct to their facebook profiles and be in the picture as soon as it happens.

Currently we have 21 Fans and would like to see how many fans we can get.

Benefits of being a SSILB fan on Facebook are shown in the promo video below:

If you would like to join our Facebook fan base please click on the logo below:

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

gets support from Yellow Pages in their 2008 > 2009 Edition.

2nd of August 2008

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat have been given a nice little section in the new edition of Yellow Pages 2008 > 2009.

The details of the write up can be found below:

A new lifeboat station

Sandown & Shanklin's Sandy beaches are renowned for safe bathing and high water quality, and most of the time are enjoyed without incident.

However, it is comforting to know that help is at hand, should something go wrong.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat is one of three independent lifeboats on the Island and it is crewed by a dedicated team of volunteers.

The only funding the station receives is in the form of some support grants from the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation, and so the service relies on contributions from the local community and volunteers to maintain the running of the service.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore lifeboat is aiming to raise £180,000 to rebuild the lifeboat station, and there are many ways you can help.

To find out more, visit: www.sandownlifeboat.com

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore lifeboat would like to Thank Yellow Pages for their support.

If you would like to help with fundraising efforts to help Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat to build their new Lifeboat Station, please use the contact us details on the website menu, which is on the left of this page and ask if you can become a fundraiser or to donated items for our Stall.

If you would like to make a donation please click the icon below:

Every little helps us.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

rescues two teenagers.

9th of August 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore lifeboat was called out by the Solent Coastguard at 19.08, on Friday the 8th of August 2008, to a small 14 ft day boat with a red top half and small cuddy called Saucy Sue, which had broken down in Sandown Bay with 2 teenagers on-board and with no safety or survival equipment at all.

They managed to raise the alarm as one of the lads had a mobile.

We found the vessel in very poor condition and it should not have been on the sea with these young lives on it.

We towed the vessel back to Yaverland Slipway, helped them onto their trailer and out of the sea.

we also advised them on their own safety and returned to our station.

* Please can all sea goes be aware of their own safety and the safety of others around them.

* The correct equipment used will save lives.

SSILB Atlantic 21 tows the 14ft Day boat 'Saucy Sue'.

Safety warning after teens stranded on boat

By Emily Pearce

LIFEBOAT crews have criticised irresponsible sailors who venture out without the proper safety equipment.

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat was called out by the Solent Coastguard on Friday evening, when two teenagers in a small day boat became stranded in Sandown Bay.

Their 14ft vessel, the Saucy Sue, had broken down at around 7pm and they only managed to raise the alarm by calling for help on a mobile phone.
There was no safety or survival equipment on board.

Coxswain Mark Birch said the vessel was in very poor shape and should not have been on the sea.

The Saucy Sue was towed back to Yaverland Slipway, where the teens were helped ashore and given a stern safety warning.

SSILB crew members assess the vessel sea worthiness.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

at White Air 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat are going to be at White Air 2008 to put on a spectacular SAR Air & Sea Rescue Display for the crowds on the Sunday (21st of September) of the event and will also be having a stall within the event itself selling our products.

This is the first time that SSILB has been involved with the event and the crew is really looking forward to wowing the crowds with the display.

Coastguard Helicopter '104' and Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat during the Shanklin Regatta 2008 Display.

19-21 Sept 2008 12th Annual White Air Extreme Sports Festival

Water, beach, urban, air and land sports, art and live music stage.

Over 40 countries competeing,500 competitors, world champions in 18 action sports, art, live music stage, parties, and 21 'have a go!' public sports all at one place one time..

White Air Extreme Sports on the Isle of Wight!

White Air began in 1997, starting as a Wind and Surf based event due to the attraction of the Islands superb conditions, beaches, and of course waves. It has rapidly expanded and now one of the most prestigious International festivals on the calendar now involving some 26 sports on water, land, beach, urban and in the air combined with arts, music and entertainment.

RED ARROWS AND RAF FALCONS AT WHITE AIR 2008!

The Red Arrows have confirmed that they will be doing TWO DISPLAYS at White Air this year! They will be performing a a full display on both the Saturday and the Sunday right off the beach. With moves being pulled off just 200m from the festival site it will be another awesome experience for all at White Air!

The RAF Falcons are one of the World's top parachute display teams and will be at White Air 2008! - 19th Sept.

The RAF Falcons are based at RAF Brize Norton as part of the No1 Parachute Training School. All of the Falcons are selected from the RAF's Parachute Jumping Instructors. Team members receive further intensive training to ensure that together, they are able to perform the highly skilled freefall and canopy manoeuvres that culminate in the Team safely landing, in quick succession, in front of the spectators.

THE PIGEON DETECTIVES TO HEADLINE WHITE AIR FESTIVAL

On Saturday September 20 White Air will also host a night of great music at our stage on the beach.

The Pigeon Detectives will be headlining a line up including The Operators, Sam Isaac and Mama’s Gun, with Rob da Bank on the decks.

Go to www.whiteair.co.uk for more details on the event.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

involved in AIR & SEA rescue for CANOEIST in difficulties

21st of August 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore lifeboat was paged by HM Solent Coastguard, also tasked were Coastguard Helicopter, Bembridge Coastguard, 999 calls had been made to SCG of reports of a canoeist who had capsized, had not surface and was in need of immediate assistance 60 yards off the dinosaur museum in Sandown Bay.

The Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat and the helicopter started a search in the area immediately and along the bay front, on one of the legs of the search SSILB were close to shore line, when a member of the public got a SSILB crew members attention, SSILB went to investigate, the member of the public reported that they had seen the man come ashore and headed for Yaverland Car park.

This was confirmed, as the Man was tracked down, he was treated by a paramedic and all SAR units were stood down by SCG.

If it wasn’t for the member of the public getting our attention, who was not even connected to this incident, that came forward, all SAR units could have had a very long search for nothing, we urge people that if you have been involved in an incident and you make it ashore please let members from the Coastguard (999) know that you are safe.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat involved with national TV campaign for Seaside safety.

12th of September 2008

By Peter White

The film crew in action on SSILB.

SANDOWN Bay has been the setting for a series of short films on sea safety, which are to be shown on national television over the next few months.

A plane circling overhead trailing a banner 'Do you know where the kids are?' left many Islanders around Shanklin and Sandown bemused but it was all part of the operation being filmed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat, the Coastguard Helicopter and the Coastguard teams were all involved in the shoot, which they hope will make visitors to the Island and other seaside resorts aware of the dangers that lurk along the coast.

An MCA spokesman revealed: "We open on a wide shot of a typical English beach. It feels fun and lively, we zoom in and find a mum and dad sitting under an umbrella on beach towels.

"A plane buzzes overhead trailing an advertising banner, it reads: 'Do you know where the kids are?' Mum looks up and notices it and goes rushing off to the water edge toward a couple of toddlers".

Other clips include the dangers of bravado and showing off on a pier after consuming alcohol, with a cleverly portrayed but stark message. Two girls walk by with 'kiss me quick' hats on, but instead their message reads: Kill you quick!

The films also highlight the threat of varying tides and currents, dangers of walking too close to cliff edges and problems that can happen by going out to sea in inflatable dinghies.

The spokesman added: "The overall message is to stay safe while having fun at the seaside."

Further ideas on how to stay safe, and even when to dial 999 for coastguard help, can be found on web site http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/seasmart-home

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

at White Air 2008

22nd of September 2008

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat were at White Air 2008 and put on a spectacular SAR Air & Sea Rescue Display for the crowds on the Sunday (21st of September) of the event.

SSILB also had our stall within the event grounds itself, we were selling our own branded products and selling or Lottery tickets to win the scooter & flight around the Island prize.

This was the first time that SSILB has been involved with the event and the crew & fundraisers really enjoyed the whole event.

Sadly the White Air event is moving away from the Island for a possible two years, as the event owner Nigel Howell is having support problems with the local Council and is needing more support from them to bring it back to the Island and we (SSILB) hope he gets that support.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat would like to thank Nigel Howell for his support, for allowing us to be part of the 2008 event and we all hope that you return the event back to Sandown Bay real soon.

Go to www.whiteair.co.uk for more details on the event.

-

White Air back in 2010?

17th of October 2008
By Jon Moreno

WHITE Air Extreme Sports festival could return to Yaverland in two years’ time — but only if it gets the support of County Hall, warned its organiser.

White Air’s Nigel Howell is seeking an alternative site, possibly Brighton, for next year.

But Mr Howell, who has run the event for the past 12 years, said: “White Air could come back to the Island in 2010 if the backing is there and it is held at a different time of year, possibly July.

“It brings in up to £1.5 million for the Island and thousands of visitors. There’s no other event like this in Europe.
“I need the backbone support of the Isle of Wight Council or it will never work. I had no choice but to try elsewhere but I hope to bring it back in 2010 as a bigger and better event.”

Ardent fan and Sandown town councillor Ron Teasdale, said the festival attracted a lot of people.

At Sandown Town Council’s monthly meeting, he said: “It’s the only good event we’ve got in the bay area and it brings a lot of money into the town.”

Sandown mayor Cllr Ian Ward said the festival helped promote the Island and Sandown.

Go to www.whiteair.co.uk for more details on the event.

Why not e-mail Nigel Howell your support for the event to be kept on the Island and in Sandown Bay.

For those in peril on the sea...

10th of October 2008

By Peter White

WHAT does a builder, mechanic, window cleaner, solicitor, hotelier and care worker working in Sandown have in common? Answer, they are all members of Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat crew. Coxswain MARK BIRCH tells PETER WHITE how the operation costs £15,000+ a year to run and how the next big target is replacing the 26-year-old lifeboat.

SSILB Atlantic 21 in Sandown Bay

THEY come from virtually any walk of life. But, when they work together, they work as one, saving lives and averting disasters around the Island coastline.

Inshore lifeboat crews are a special bunch, all volunteers ready to put their lives at risk to help others.

Throughout the summer the crews at Bembridge and Sandown and Shanklin have been on constant alert.

Both stations are on course for a record year of call-outs.

The Sandown and Shanklin crew is based just a couple of hundred yards from Sandown Pier, and when coxswain and operations manager Mark Birch summons the help of his colleagues the scramble begins and every second counts.

"We have 16 crew members here, ranging from a builder, mechanic and window cleaner to solicitor, hotelier and care worker.

"There has been an independent station in Sandown Bay since the beginning of the l800s".

"The current station has been here for 35 years, but was re-built 25 years ago when the service was know as South Wight Rescue.

After a cliff fall it was rebranded and renamed Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat," said Mark.

LOM & Coswain - Mark Birch

So what makes a good crewman?

Mark explained: "If people come along and say they are interested you know they are half way there.

" I always say you might know loads about the sea and boating but might not be able to be a crew member.

"By the same token someone might know nothing about boating but gets on as a crewman, You are better off training someone from scratch, because it is all about team work."

There is a two-month probationary period and if volunteers show they have what it takes they are voted on by the rest of the members,

"That is when we start spending money on them, with certification courses from first aid to sea survival," said Mark.

"The rest is done with experience, I usually take people out on the boat for a 'taster' during their probation period. It gives them the incentive to keep going."

The operation costs around £12,000 a year to keep running, much of which is raised by the

Fairway Caravan Park in Sandown.

Donations go straight into the coffers with administration charges.

But costs continue to escalate and, although Sandown and Shanklin now has permission to build

a new station next t6 its existing one, the £180,000 needed means it is likely to be at least a three-year project.

Chairman Ron Teasdale pointed out: "We pull the boat out on Sundays for fund raising, because the £12,000 a year it takes to run is without major breakdown.

"A single crew member sitting on the boat is wearing around £1,200 of kit, such as dry suit, helmet, lifejacket and has to for obvious safety reasons".

"We are currently running a fundraising competition to win a motor scooter as first prize and a plane trip for four around the Island for the runner-up.

"If we had the funds we could start building the new station tomorrow. But it always seems to be two steps forward and one back because of the cost of replacing equipment."

SSILB & CG Helicopter '104' in the WightAir08 SAR display

The lifeboat is 26 years old and the crew cover an area from Culver Bay to St Catherine's Point but often go beyond in the call of duty.

Mark recalled a couple of the recent call-outs.

"Two guys about 40 got caught on the rocks around Culver. They were clinging on for dear life.

"I went in head on to them and could easily have smashed our boat on the rocks. We managed to get a line to them, we threw it out to them and pulled them on to the boat.

"They were exhausted and, by the time we' got them back to shore, they were on their knees in tears as the shock set in.

''I've seen quite a few grown men cry on this job.

So caring doesn't stop after you rescue them. We try to keep them occupied, it tends to calm them down.

"Once I had to put the boat on to the cliffs to rescue one lady who was in trouble.

We somehow wedged the boat on to the cliff and got her on to it. We got her back on shore and kept her warm until the coastguard arrived."

Mark added: "It has been a busy summer. If someone sees an incident they usually phone 999".

"I will then be paged and, in turn, page the crew.

Our record time from call to launch is fourand-a-half minutes but we average around 10 minutes. That is from the time the guys drop whatever they are doing at work, get here, and we are out on the water."

...and on the beach

COXSWAIN Mark Birch has been involved in countless emergencies but vividly recalls the time when he and his crew didn't have to launch to go out on a job - it came to them.

He said: "I was working on the boat one day when I heard this

strange noise that sounded like a giant motorised skateboard falling off the revetment. Then I realised a plane had crashed just in front of the station."

Ivan Allen from London was competing in the Schneider Trophy when his plane skimmed Sandown

Pier and crashed in a metre of water on the edge of the beach.

"All the emergency services said that they were first here, but we had the guy out and sitting up here before anyone else arrived.

'He gave us a generous donation for helping him," added Mark.'

A kind donation to help save lives at sea

17th of October 2008

L > R - Richard Chantler (SSILB), Derry & Tina Derbyshire (Pub managers),Mark Birch (SSILB) and The Crab Inn regs.

Sandown and Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat has received a donation from The Crab Inn, located in the Shanklin Old Village, The Crab Inn presented the cheque on the 07th of October to LOM / Senior Coxswain Mark Birch and Lifeboat crew member Richard Chantler.

Presenting the cheque to them where the pub managers Derry & Tina Derbyshire, who helped raise the funds for the Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat by having a quiz night at The Crab Inn during the winter periods and are really happy to help support their local Lifeboat.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat thanked The Crab Inn by giving them a signed framed photo of the boat in action to hang on the pubs wall and for everyone who helped to see.

To everyone who helped support Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat by taking part in the quiz and to the pubs managers - We Thank You.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat

Winter 07 > 08 Lottery is drawn.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat would like to inform all of our browsers and supporters of the following announcement.

The draw has taken place, on the 16th of November 2008, a walker was picked by randomly, walking past our Lifeboat Station, a Mrs C. Griffin of Binstead picked out the two winning tickets of the lottery and we are please to announce the winners.

1st Prize winner of the Lifan Milan 125cc Scooter:

Is: Number 2570 - Mr Jonathan Smith - I.O.W - Shanklin

2nd Prize winner of the Sony Digital Camera:

Is: Number 2907 - E. Henderson - I.O.W

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat would like to congratulate all the winners.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat is funded entirely by contributions from the local community and visitors to our area of the Isle of Wight.

Sandown & Shanklin Inshore Lifeboat would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to it's fundraising team, crew members who helped and gave their time voluntarily to support SSILB.