RNLI Portsmouth diverted from exercise to assist distressed vessel
RNLI Portsmouth Lifeboat Norma T diverted from exercise to assist distressed vessel in Langstone Harbour.
Once inside the harbour the Lifeboat used Direction Finding VHF radio equipment (DF) to locate the distressed vessel on the East side of Langstone Harbour, with two of the five men waist deep in water holding their 14ft boat in the shallows near the beach.
Once on scene the Volunteer crew established a tow and assessed one of the wet casualties for hypothermia, as he had been complaining of cold. wrapped in a thermal protective aid and life jacket the young mans condition was monitored for the duration of the return tow to Broadmarsh slipway, where a waiting Coastguard rescue unit was able to assist further. Thankfully the casualties condition improved quickly and an ambulance wasn't deemed necessary.
It transpires that the vessel and crew had launched earlier in the evening and ran out of fuel while navigating down the harbour, leaving them completely adrift in the failing light. After luckily reaching the shoreline one of the casualty crew used a handheld VHF to call for assistance, Solent coastguard then replied and the RNLI Lifeboat was tasked.
Aaron Gent of RNLI Portsmouth Lifeboat Station said:
"We always urge people to ensure they are adequately prepared to go afloat, and if they are unsure to seek assistance or training first. boaters should check local conditions & tide times, inform a friend of their plans and have relevant safety equipment to signal for assistance"
"Knowing how to use a VHF radio is a very important part of boating, as unlike a mobile phone, RNLI Lifeboats can detect and track signals"
This month is the beginning of the RNLI's respect the water campaign, which is aimed towards halving the number of accidental coastal deaths by 2024 and raising awareness of the hidden dangers which catch people out around the British and Irish coasts. In 2015, RNLI lifeboats were called out 1,217 times to motorboats in trouble. The largest single cause of call outs was due to machinery failure, in this instance a lack of fuel.
Anyone wishing to know more about the Respect the Water campaign or safety advice should search for "Respect the water" or visit www.RNLI.org/RespectTheWater
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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