A TRAWLER ran aground off the Isle of Wight after hitting a submarine barrier.

Bembridge and Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat crews have been present at the scene, between Horse Sand Fort and Southsea seafront, in shifts, since around 3pm yesterday (Tuesday) after the 24m trawler became stuck and started to take on water.

The vessel was guarding an area where cables were being laid on the sea floor.

A Bembridge RNLI spokesperson said: "We launched at the request of the coastguard to assist the guard-ship Sharon Vale, that had run aground on the western side of the submarine barrier between Horse Sand Fort and Southsea seafront.

"Her engines had failed and she had been unable to put an anchor down in time to stop her drifting eastwards with the wind and tide until she came up against the concrete blocks of the barrier.

"It did not take long for the Alfred Albert Williams to reach the trawler, get alongside and to put two of her crew members onboard to assess the situation.

"It emerged that the collision with the block damaged the trawler which was taking on water which they were able to contain using pumps.

"At around 8pm the trawler floated and drifted eastwards away from the barrier towards Langstone and after a short period her crew managed to drop an anchor.

"Yarmouth RNLI's Severn Class Lifeboat had been tasked to assist and to act as a guard over night.

"Once she arrived on station the Alfred Albert Williams was released and having taken the two crew members from the trawler to the Camber, returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 9.45pm."

The Queen's Harbour Master and UK Coastguard have ordered that the trawler should remain where it is whilst an investigation is carried out.

UPDATE 1.45pm: A Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat spokesperson said crews remained at the scene this afternoon. Divers are assessing the vessel to see if repairs can be made.