Midnight Flare Panic Sparks Lifeboat Launch Off Ventnor
The RNLB Alfred Albert Williams, a Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat (16-17), was scrambled at 1am on Thursday after reports of a mysterious red flare one mile south of Ventnor.
RNLI and Royal Navy Join Search
The UK Solent Coastguard called out the lifeboat crew for the urgent mission. HMS Middleton, a Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel patrolling nearby, joined the search effort.
No Sign of Flare After Two Hours
After scouring the area for two tense hours, both vessels came up empty. The Alfred Albert Williams returned to Bembridge Harbour and was recovered by 3.15am.
First Call-Out for Two New Crew Members
For two crew members on board, it was their first ever service call – a baptism of fire on the high seas that ended with no sighting but plenty of adrenaline.
