Weekend Update

This page was updated on: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Week Ending 4th October 2009

Venturer Rescue One was tasked on Friday 02-10-2009 evening to the assistance of the yacht beefeater when they lost engine power in the middle of the shipping channel of Calshot. As VR1 was launching at Calshot on excercise they were able to be on scene within two minutes. the vessel was taken in tow to Cowes and berthed safely alongside at Shepards Wharf.

Saturday passed without incident however Venturer Rescue one continued its good working relationship with the coastguard and completed a night time helicopter excercise with Rescue 104.

On Sunday VR1 was tasked to launch to the assistance of a vessel aground in Newtown Creek. VR1 made good speed to the scene however shortly before arrival the Harbour Master towed the vessel clear. VR1 was still asked to proceed by the Coastguard and VR1 cheked that the occupants were ok and that the vessel had not suffered and structural damage, all was well on board.

Late during the afternoon it came to the attention of the crew that a large diesel slick was appearing to come from the Beaulieu River. Venturer control scrambled VR3 to trace the source with VR4. both boats proceeded in opposite directions and ascertained that the slick was from Gull Island to Lepe Spit and was coming ashore.

Solent Coastguard were advised of the situation and with thier permission the Rescue Quad was dispatched from control to warn people on Lepe beach of the dangers. Especially as dogs were playing in the water on the beach as well as fisheman down by the launch area.

Solent Coastguard also scrambled the Coastguard helicopter 104 to take photos and monitor the extent of the slick.

The coastguard called the Beaulieu River Harbour Master, and New Forest District Cancel, whilst ABP Southampton bough Enviromental officers to the scene via Southampton Patrol Boat.