Praise for lifeboat crew

By Martin Neville

Friday, January 18, 2013

 

AN Isle of Wight lifeboat crew who carried out a search of the River Medina in darkness and blizzard conditions in the early hours of this morning (Friday) have been praised for their actions.

Cowes lifeboat operations manager, Mark Southwell, said the search was one of their most difficult due to the extreme weather.

He said: "Searchlights and torches are pretty useless in snow.

"Well done the crew, and once again thanks."

Led by Laurie O'Callaghan, the lifeboat was launched just after 4.30am after Solent Coastguards were told that a person onshore had reported that someone appeared to be in some difficulty while attempting to go up river in a small boat tender.

The search went as far as the Folly, with the snow greatly reducing visibility but nothing was found and the lifeboat returned to station at 6am.

Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk

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