Weston-super-Mare RNLI assist helicopter rescue of casualty from fishing boat

Jack Price, Skipper of the fishing boat belonging to Storm Lee Charters Swansea and Cardiff describes events before the pager alert came in, ‘What started as a normal Storm Lee fishing experience with plenty of fish and laughs, quickly became a serious medical emergency.

I noticed that a gentleman onboard wasn’t quite himself, despite assuring us he was okay his condition became increasingly concerning. I had no choice but to put my safety at sea training into practise and call the Coastguard for assistance.’

The HM Coastguard alerted Weston lifeboats’ launch authority requesting an immediate launch to the vessel which was situated near Brean Down. Due to it being low tide the D-Class lifeboat was launched via the low water route with 4 crew members onboard.

Matt Lyons, volunteer boat crew said ‘Due to the severity of the symptoms we knew we needed to get to the casualty fast. Once we reached the vessel we climbed aboard and conducted a casualty care assessment. A retired paramedic onboard had already provided some valuable casualty support while waiting for us to arrive. Tidal conditions and the urgency to get the casualty to hospital meant an airlift was the quickest and safest way to do this.’

Skipper Jack recounted ‘It was such a great help to get the RNLI crew onboard and take over. It meant I could concentrate on helming the boat and looking after the other passengers onboard. They were fantastic.

As part of emergency training exercises, you talk through helicopter assistance and winching people off but it’s not a scenario you can practise. Sea conditions were challenging, but everyone played their part to ensure it went as safely as possible. It was an outstanding coordinated response and a relief to know that the gentleman was getting the medical attention he needed.’

The casualty was taken to hospital in Bristol and discharged the following day.

Weston-super-Mare RNLI lifeboat station was founded in 1882. Between 1882 and 2023 the Weston-super-Mare volunteer lifeboat crew have launched 2,269 times and saved 477 lives.

Notes to editors

· Video of Weston-super-Mare arriving at Storm Lee Charters, providing Casualty Care and casualty being lifted off, Video Credit: Andy Stone/RNLI.

· Video from back of charter boat showing HM Coastguard helicopter dropping off winch person, Video Credit: Jack Price/Storm Lee Charters.

· Video of RNLI crew, helicopter support and D Class lifeboat travelling along side, Video Credit: Jack Price/Storm Lee Charters.

· Photos: Screenshots from rescue video, Photo Credit: Andy Stone/RNLI

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