A YACHT which struck a submarine barrier was assisted by Bembridge RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat yesterday (Friday 23).

The RNLB Alfred Albert Williams escorted the damaged 34ft sailing yacht into Portsmouth Harbour.

The lifeboat was launched at 10.10am at the request of UK Solent Coastguard to assist a 34ft Beneteau yacht with two crew on board which had hit the submarine barrier linking Horse Sand Fort to Southsea and split their hull.

It did not take long to reach the yacht and two members of the lifeboat were transferred to the yacht to see what assistance was required.

Although there had been an initial intake of water when the yacht hit the barrier, it stopped when they bounced off and the split closed.

There was also some minor leakage around the keel bolts.

Both yacht crew had minor bumps to the head and were advised to go to hospital to be checked over.

Although the yacht was able to make her own way under power into Portsmouth, the lifeboat remained close in case the leak returned.

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