Capsized vessel sees immediate Yarmouth RNLI launch

An immediate launch was requested by the Coastguard whilst the crew were mustering for their Thursday evening. Where the crew were kitted up and ready to go, the lifeboat was able to leave Yarmouth Harbour at best speed within ten minutes of the pagers sounding.

Yarmouth lifeboat arrived on scene approximately five minutes later and found a lone fisherman clinging to his upturned vessel. The Coxswain of Yarmouth Lifeboat quickly manoeuvred the Severn Class Lifeboat alongside the casualty vessel, and the fisherman was safely recovered onboard where they were then provided casualty care by the RNLI volunteer crew.

The casualty explained that they had been inside the cabin when the boat capsized and had been forced to swim out from beneath the overturned hull. They were thoroughly soaked and there was a strong possibility that they had inhaled water, so the lifeboat requested the assistance of Rescue Helicopter 375's paramedic to assess their condition.

While the casualty was being assessed, Mudeford’s Atlantic 85 Lifeboat, who had also been tasked, remained on scene with the capsized vessel as it had started to drift past Yarmouth and into the busy ferry shipping route. Navigation lights were attached to the vessel, and its position was passed to Solent Coastguard. Once this had been completed, Mudeford RNLI were stood down.

Following a full assessment, the paramedic gave the casualty the all-clear who was then transferred to Lymington onboard the all-weather lifeboat, where they were met by Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team and the casualty's next of kin.

The capsized vessel remained marked, and its position monitored by the Coastguard.

Yarmouth RNLI would like to take this opportunity to thank Needles NCI, whose quick reactions to alert Solent Coastguard when spotting the casualty in the water, resulted in a life saved.

Notes to editors

• Images include Severn Class Lifeboat, 17-41 on passage to the last known location of the casualty on 22 October 2026.

• Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat on service alongside CG helicopter.

• May 2026 marked Yarmouth Station's 102nd year in service.

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