HMS Alliance

The submarine HMS Alliance was returning to Gosport late one January night in 1968 when she and another boat became aground on the treacherous Bembridge ledge. The Alliance found itself held fast on the ledge without any prior notice, as it was a clear night with adequate vision, thus the cause is a mystery.

The Watson Class lifeboat Jesse Lumb was launched from Bembridge Lifeboat Station and kept on standby as the Alliance waited for the tide to carry her away from the Bembridge ledge.

She now stands on permanent display at HMS Dolphin at Gosport.