COWES RNLI responded to two mayday alerts this morning (Sunday).

At 9.30am, the B859 Sheena Louise was launched following an automated radio mayday from a vessel near Cowes.

Attempts were made by the coastguard to contact the vessel, but were unsuccessful and the lifeboat was launched to identify it.

The vessel realised it was their radio that was faulty and called the coastguard.

Cowes lifeboat then escorted the rib across the main shipping channel to complete its voyage to Hamble.

A second alert was then received from a tug providing cover for cable laying works off Hillhead.

Cowes lifeboat crew notified the vessel they were transmitting, and the alert was cancelled as there was no emergency.

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