The Bembridge Lifeboat, "Max Aitken" took part in the annual Bembridge Lifeboat Regatta on Sunday the 20^th August 2000 along with a Relief Inshore Lifeboat, a second ILB, and the Coastguard Air-Sea Rescue Helicopter "India Juliet". The weather forecast was for showers, but they held off and the large the crowd saw a fine display of Air-sea rescue techniques.

The Lifeboat and the ILB go to the aid of a capsized dingy ...	... meanwhile a local fishing boat "catches fire"...	... help soon arrives ...	.. and we all get soaked :-) ...
The casualty is towed to deeper water ...	... and the tow is cast off.	The ILB crew check that we're Ok ...	... while the "Max Aitken III" plays with the Helicopter.
Now she's off to...	... pass the crowds close inshore ...	... and to stand by as ...	... the ILB takes centre stage ...
... to entertain the visitors.	The visiting ILB is righted after a capsize exersise ...	... and some effort is expended to restart the engine.	Finally the "Max Aitken III" is rehoused for instant readyness.

The regular Bembridge Inshore Lifeboat "Criddy and Tom" is away at present for a routine refit.The visitng ILB is used for capsize training round the country and is not on active service as such. Our own "Criddy and Tom" capsized on service last year, whilst passing a tow, close to rocks and in heavy weather. Fortunately no injuries were sustained and she was soon righted, the engine restarted and she continued on service.
Many thanks to "Denny" Semour, skipper of "The Snowman" for allowing his boat to be used for the "fire" again this year, and for letting me on board with my camera.

The RNLI is dedicated to saving life at sea and is supported entirely by voluntary contributions, please help them.

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