Lifeboat launched to unconscious diver
Weymouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched shortly after 2pm on Thursday 11th July to reports of a diver who had surfaced unconscious and was on a dive vessel which then declared a Mayday. A Coastguard helicopter was also tasked by Solent Coastguard and a nearby warship was also alerted.
On arrival 4 miles North West of Portland Bill the lifeboat came alongside the dive vessel and transferred the diver onto the lifeboat. CPR had been started on the diver whilst he was still on the dive boat and was continued by the lifeboat crew.
When the helicopter arrived on scene the Paramedic winchman was dropped onto the lifeboat to assess the condition of the diver. It was decided that the lifeboat would return to Weymouth with the diver still receiving first aid rather than transferring him up into the helicopter.
On arrival back at Weymouth the lifeboat tied up at the old ferry terminal linkspan and the casualty was handed over to the care of a waiting ambulance.
The lifeboat was then released and returned to station where she was refuelled and made ready for the next shout.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.