Regulations prove tough for Wight lifeboat

The Isle of Wight’s lifeboat team may be forced to limit the number of rescues it makes because of new regulations.

The 8.8m Cabin RIB called ‘Spirit of West Wight’ no longer meets updated health and safety requirements.

Limiting the use of the vessel to meet their guidelines would mean keeping the lifeboat for inland waters going no further than 3 miles, whereas at present the lifeboat can sail the seas for up to 30 miles.

The station fears a cash crisis may prevent the purchase of a new lifesaver. To make matters worse applications for funding from the Lottery and from charitable Isle of Wight trusts have already been turned down.

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30/07/2008 10:09:50