Bembridge Lifeboat locate ‘Ocean Wanderer’ after running into difficulty

RNLB ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ All-Weather Lifeboat was launched early this morning at 4.13am at the request of UK (Solent) Coastguard to locate and assist a 41ft charter sailing yacht, ‘Ocean Wanderer’ on passage from France to the Hamble that had run out of fuel and was drifting into the shipping channel about 5 miles SE of Bembridge with 6 crew onboard. The ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ reached the yacht by 4.25am and transferred the mechanic across to her with 20 litres of fuel. Having successfully bled the fuel system and got the engine working again, the yacht was able to continue her passage to the Hamble. After escorting the ‘Ocean Wanderer’ for a bit to ensure that all was in order, the ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 5.15am.