RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat launched to Medivac rescue
RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather Lifeboat (ALB), the Freddie Cooper, was launched at 9.45am, following a pan pan request, to a lone yachtsman reporting to be unwell, south of Orford Ness lighthouse. A second yacht was close to the casualty, assisting by relaying information to the ALB crew.
RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was tasked by the Coast Guard at 9.37am to launch to an unwell, lone yachtsman. A pan pan request was radioed to the Coast Guard, which means that they have a situation that is urgent, but does not pose an immediate danger.
On arrival at scene at 10.25am, the ALB came along side the casualty’s yacht and two ALB crew transferred over to assess the yachtsman. Following casualty care assessments the casualty was conscious, vomiting, unwell and requiring oxygen.
A Helivac was assigned by the Coast Guard. In preparation for this, the casualty was transferred over to the ALB. Once the helicopter was on scene at 11.10am, a paramedic was winched down onto the ALB to assess the casualty. The casualty was then winched up and transferred to the local hospital, for further assessments. The casualty’s yacht was taken under tow by the second yacht who had stood by.
Steve Saint, Coxswain, said: 'The casualty made the right decision in not delaying and calling early, enabling us to give swift casualty care.'
The ALB was then stood down and returned to station at 12.45pm.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone :-
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Caron Hill, Aldeburgh RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07837 263210 email [email protected]
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Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer (North and East) 01642 790636 / 07824518641/ [email protected]
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Jim Rice, RNLI Press Officer, 07810658072/ [email protected]
or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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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