Lymington RNLI late night rescue of four people from a stricken vessel.
On 13 May at 00.13am the Lymington voluntary crew were requested by HM Coastguard to assist a 7.5m RIB (rigid inflatable boat) aground on the marshes.
The station's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat B-882 David Bradley was quick to launch and proceeded at speed out of the Lymington River. This was the first shout for helm Greg Pachany, who had recently qualified. The weather conditions were fair with a southerly blowing 4/5 slight drizzle, falling tide.
The lifeboat proceeded to the western section of the marshes at the entrance to the Lymington River, as directed by the HM Coastguard. Unfortunately the casualties did not have a VHF radio on them, so it was difficult to establish their exact location. The crew were able to locate them as the Coastguard had instructed they use their phones as torches to help identify their exact location.
On arrival, the lifeboat found four people on the marshes next to the RIB, which was hard aground on the marshes. The crew established that no one was injured and took the casualties onboard the lifeboat. They proceeded back to the Harbour Master’s pontoon, where they were met by the Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team.
It was decided that the lifeboat would go back and tow the RIB off the marshes as it could be a potential danger to navigation if adrift. Two crew members were dropped as close to the RIB as possible and tow lines were established.
Once the RIB was re-floated, the lifeboat crew managed to start the engine and make their own way back to the Harbour Master’s pontoon, with the lifeboat following them.
The lifeboat was cleaned and prepared again ready for service at 01.47am.
Helm Greg Pachany said: ’It is really important to have a reliable form of communication such as a VHF radio. This would have made it quicker and easier to find the casualties. It is also very important to make a proper passage plan given the weather and tide conditions, and wear life jackets at all times when afloat.’
Suzanne Brown, Lifeboat Press Officer, Lymington Lifeboat Station (07711) 393910 [email protected]
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, SE and London (07785) 296252 [email protected]
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