Two crew suspended from Calshot RNLI amid investigation while another dismissed over 'irrecoverable breakdown'

TWO members of Calshot RNLI have been suspended pending an investigation while another has been stood down due to an "irrecoverable breakdown" in the volunteering relationship, the charity has confirmed.

A spokesperson for the lifeboat told the A&T that the local operation remained in service following the loss of the three crew members, although it means currently only one boat can be launched.

As reported in the A&T, the crew were featured last year on an episode of BBC documentary Saving Lives at Sea. The volunteers were seen undertaking a real-life rescue with footage captured on their helmet cameras.

An incident took place on 15th March but no further details on what caused the crew member to be dismissed or the nature of the investigation into the other two volunteers has been revealed.

The RNLI spokesperson said: "Calshot RNLI, which operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and a D-class inshore lifeboat, remains fully operational.

"However, for the time being, the station will only declare one of its two lifeboats as an asset at any one time, depending on which is most appropriate for the task required.

"When necessary, the RNLI will take action of this nature to ensure the continuing successful operation of our lifeboat stations and safety of our volunteers, but is never a decision that we take lightly."

Calshot is expected to return to operating two lifeboats in the next few weeks as new helms qualify the rigorous training programme.

The spokesperson added: "It is highly unusual for both of Calshot’s lifeboats to be launched at the same time.

"However, should further lifeboats be required, the Solent area is very well covered by its flanking stations at Cowes, Portsmouth and Lymington, as well as independent lifeboat stations."