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Lifeboat Crew Face 'Worst Conditions Ever Seen' After Hoax Call

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.

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