Filey RNLI crew pluck sailor from sea.
Both Filey’s all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat were requested by UK Coastguard (Humber) yesterday afternoon (Sunday 27th October) when a sailor became separated from his boat.
The sailor, in his fifteen foot catamaran, who had, fortunately, told a number of people that he would be going to sea, capsized about one mile east of Filey in a strong off-shore wind. Although he managed to right the dinghy first time, a gust of wind filled the sails and the boat took off with no-one on board and the sailor stranded in the water.
Multiple 999 calls led to both lifeboats being tasked around 1pm. The ILB was quickly launched with Paul Wilson, Sarah Scrivener and Liam Frampton as crew. They plucked the sailor from the water and then gave chase to the catamaran which was, by now, some distance away.
In view of the fact that the ILB was able to find the sailor so quickly and then reach the dinghy, the all-weather boat, under the command of Coxswain/Mechanic Neil Cammish, was stood down at the water’s edge.
After quite a difficult recovery operation and tow in the strong wind, the ILB crew landed sailor and boat back at Coble Landing, Filey, none the worse for the experience.
John Ward, Lifeboat Press Officer said: “The sailor had been quite right to let people know of his intentions so when he became separated from his boat they were able to let the Coastguards know straight away. The call-out came less than an hour after both boats had been out on exercise. Many thanks to Filey Coastguard Rescue Team and the large number of Filey RNLI crew who attended."
Notes to editors
- Filey Lifeboat Station was founded in 1804. It currently operates both a Mersey-Class All-Weather Lifeboat and an Inshore Lifeboat. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Filey Lifeboat Facebook page.
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