7:39am Thursday 18th March 2010
A LIFEBOAT crew has criticised the condition of a boat that broke down with five men aboard after a cross- Solent trip.
The owner of the 11- metre craft has been told to make sure it is seaworthy before attempting another voyage.
The boat was returning from the Isle of Wight when it suffered engine failure in the River Itchen in Southampton.
An RNLI spokesman said both Calshot lifeboats were launched in case there were any casualties in the water.
The boat eventually drifted ashore, allowing the party to disembark and walk home.
However, the owner returned in a small tender to tow his vessel into a safer position and was taken aboard one of the lifeboats suffering from the cold.
Lifeboat coxswain Duncan Christie said; “This boat was not the most seaworthy of vessels.
“I urged the owner to make sure it is in seaworthy condition before setting out again.”
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