Discover the Emstal: Ratings & Maritime News

In the early hours of January 1, 2018, the Bembridge RNLI's all-weather Tamar lifeboat, named 'Alfred Albert Williams', was called into action just after midnight. The UK Coastguard requested assistance to evacuate a 56-year-old crew member from the coaster 'Kossau', which was navigating from the Antwerp region to Southampton. At the time of the call, the vessel was approximately 18 nautical miles east of Bembridge, dealing with challenging weather conditions, including a Force 7 wind, gusting to Force 8, accompanied by heavy rain. As the 'Alfred Albert Williams' approached the area, positioned around four miles east of the Nab Tower, the captain of the 'Kossau' updated HM Coastguard, indicating that the injured crew member, the chief engineer, would be taken to St Helens Anchorage for a safer transfer. Consequently, the lifeboat shifted its course back towards Bembridge to await the 'Kossau' at anchor. However, once the coaster reached the anchorage, it encountered difficulties anchoring successfully. After several failed attempts, the decision was made to continue towards Southampton, where arrangements could be made for the chief engineer to receive medical attention upon docking. By 3:20 a.m., the 'Alfred Albert Williams' had safely returned to its offshore boathouse without the injured engineer on board.