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Bembridge RNLI crew faced the worst conditions their skipper had ever seen when they responded to reports of a sinking vessel during Storm Gerrit yesterday (Wednesday).
HM Coastguard requested the volunteer crew launch their All Weather Lifeboat after they received information regarding a 17 foot yacht in distress with six aboard.
It's reported location was three miles south of the Nab Tower - and with visibility of around only 100metres and strong winds, the crew set off to aid the casualties.
A helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was also sent to assist in the search.
However, it transpired that the call was in fact a hoax.
There's been renewed calls for the public to take making emergency calls seriously.