ONE member of a Hampshire lifeboat crew has been dismissed and two others suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation by the RNLI.

Calshot lifeboat station, which serves one of the busiest sailing areas in the country, is currently able to operate only one lifeboat at any one time instead of the usual two.

The RNLI is saying little about the three people involved.

A spokesperson said: "Earlier this week the RNLI stood down a volunteer crew member after an irrecoverable breakdown in the volunteering relationship.

Daily Echo: One of Calshot's two lifeboats in action.One of Calshot's two lifeboats in action. (Image: Calshot RNLI)

"The individual was stood down as they were unwilling to accept the values and behaviours required by the charity. Since this matter is confidential it would not be appropriate to give any further details.

"A further two crew members were suspended while an internal investigation takes place.

"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 we take lightly.

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

Daily Echo: The lifeboat station is at the end of Calshot Spit.The lifeboat station is at the end of Calshot Spit.

"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.

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

"Should further lifeboats be required, the Solent area is very well covered by Cowes RNLI, Portsmouth RNLI and Lymington RNLI as well as independent lifeboat stations.

"It is anticipated that Calshot RNLI will return to operating two lifeboats in the next few weeks as new helms qualify through the RNLI’s rigorous training programme."

Calshot lifeboat station covers one of the busiest maritime areas in the UK and answers about 100 call-outs a year.

Speaking in 2020 a spokesperson said: "We see over 70,000 commercial vessel movements a year. We also have a wide range of pleasure craft, water sports enthusiasts and holidaymakers that use the water on our patch."

The Southampton-based Maritime and Coastguard Agency declined to comment.