Cowes lifeboat crews were called late last night (Sunday, June 18), following reports a collision involving two boats on the River Medina near the Isle of Wight Festival.

At 11.45pm, when the crew were preparing to go home, they rushed to Newport Quay, where two rigid inflatable boats had collided with a 'loud bang'.

On arrival, the lifeboat crew discovered that the inflatable sponson on one side of the larger craft had been damaged.

Also at the scene, playing an active role, were Island Coastguard Teams. 

At the time of the collision, the inflatable was carrying about ten people and there were fears that the vessel could be swamped.

The damaged craft was escorted to a pontoon close to the Island Sailing Club in Cowes. 

The lifeboat finally returned to the station at 1am this morning (Monday).