AWL 47-001 ‘CITY OF LONDON’ launched at 1930 hrs to go to the aid of two 18-year old lads that had set out this morning from Yaverland, I.O.W. to cross the channel to Cherbourg on an 18 foot open catamaran. All had gone well until they became becalmed in mid channel and contact was lost with them. At around 1830 hrs a passing ship spotted the ‘Maid of Diamonds’ in position N 50° 18.80 W 000°39.20, approximately 25 miles SSE of the station.
HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter ‘INDIA JULIET’ was tasked to their position and remained circling them until the ‘CITY OF LONDON’ arrived on scene at 2100 hrs. Once alongside the two lads stowed their sails and were brought aboard the ‘CITY OF LONDON’. At 2125 hrs a tow was connected and a course was set for Sandown Bay, I.O.W.
After an uneventful tow in flat, calm conditions the ‘CITY OF LONDON’ arrived approximately one mile offshore in Sandown Bay at 0025 hrs 12/06/05 where she was met by Bembridge ‘PETER CORNISH’ who took the casualty and continued ashore to Yaverland Yacht Club where the two lads were handed over to the waiting coastguards and parents. The ‘CITY OF LONDON’ was released to return to station at 0027 hrs arriving back at 0115 hrs, rehousing immediately. The ‘CITY OF LONDON’ was made ready for service at 0200 hrs.
CREW: Coxswain Martin Rudwick, 2nd Coxswain Willy Pledger, Mechanic Keith Lintott, Dave Lamdin, Phil Pitham, Isabel Porter.
WIND: Variable F0. WEATHER: Sunny.