THE ENGINE on a 27ft motor cruiser blew up — less than a mile from Bembridge Lifeboat Station.

Bembridge RNLI was soon on hand, sending its inshore and all-weather lifeboats to the scene, east of the station.

The RNLB Norman Harvey inshore lifeboat was sent 8.30pm last night (Saturday) at the request of UK Coastguard.

Under a full moon and gentle southerly breeze, the lifeboat quickly reached the motor cruiser, which had three crew onboard.

It took her under tow towards Bembridge Harbour, before the RNLB Alfred Albert Williams, the all-weather lifeboat, took over to tow the vessel back to her home port of Portsmouth.

It safely berthed at Gosport Marina, where it was met by the Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team.

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