Lymington RNLI called to a capsized dinghy

Multiple 999 calls were received by the Coastguard regarding a capsized Laser dinghy seen around Hurst Spit. The station's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat B-882 David Bradley was launched quickly and proceeded out of the Lymington River and toward the Hurst Spit.

On route and after communication with HM Coastguard it was clear that the people onboard the dinghy had been picked up by the Keyhaven Yacht Club boat.

The lifeboat proceeded through the Hurst Spit and toward Milford under the helm of James Lever. The crew were able to quickly locate the upturned Laser 2000 dinghy which was drifting West toward Mudeford on the tide.

A crew member was placed into the water to try and right the dinghy. This was difficult because the spinnaker sail was wrapped around the mast. A second crew member was placed into the water to try and support righting the dinghy. The wind had started to pick and the dinghy capsized again. The crew managed to right it again and cut the spinnaker away and dropped the main sail.

The crew were able to establish a tow line and towed the dinghy back into Keyhaven with a lifeboat crew member onboard. This was slow progress given the bigger tide and building sea conditions.

The lifeboat boat was refuelled and ready again for service at 5.45pm.

The helm James Lever said: 'It is important to always let the Coastguard know if any equipment is lost at sea and to ensure equipment is named in order to be able to contact the owner'.

If you do see someone in trouble please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Media contacts:

Suzanne Brown, Lifeboat Press Officer, Lymington Lifeboat Station (07711) 393910 [email protected]

Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, SE and London (07785) 296252 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer on (01202) 336789

RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit http://www.rnli.org/. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre.

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