Bembridge Lifeboat open day will host a book signing this weekend, featuring former crew mate and author, Martin Woodward, and his latest publication, Maritime Mishaps.

The book chronicles shipwrecks, sinkings and salvage operations around the Isle of Wight, from the late 1960s to the present day.

Martin told the County Press he had wanted to write something local and a bit unusual  - on a subject that has not been covered before.

The book presents the realities of modern salvage work, with stories from the tragic to the lighthearted, and some recovered lost items over the decades.

The man behind it is the Isle of Wight Shipwreck Centre’s founder, ex Bembridge RNLI coxswain and a qualified diver.

Martin was formerly a member of the Bembridge RNLI crew until he had to retire, after 38 years of service, having spent some time as Coxswain.

In 2016, he published a book about the history of Bembridge Lifeboat Station.

Of Maritime Mishaps he said: "Hopefully it is an interesting read.

"A lot of local stories of salvage work in Island waters also featuring local characters."

Martin has also enjoyed a long career in commercial diving and the marine services and his knowledge and collected artefacts are on display at his museum in Arreton.

He also starred in the Channel Five TV programme about the Isle of Wight, Jewel of the South and previously released a book about The Solent's worst marine disaster, in which 19 people died, called The Forgotten Shipwreck — Lost With All Hands.

  • Bembridge Lifeboat open day runs from 11am until 4pm on Sunday, August 20 and is a chance to meet the crew, see the station and enjoy a cake or two, to help raise funds.