Douglas RNLI called out to assist lone sailor after fire breaks out 42ft yacht
Douglas RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched yesterday (Saturday 28 May) to assist a lone sailor after their yacht went on fire.
At 1pm, the lifeboat, Marine Engineer, was launched to aid a 42ft yacht eight miles off the coast of the island.
On arrival to the yacht, it was established that the vessel had undergone severe damage through the ongoing fire and the sailor had disembarked onto the boat’s tender. Soon after, the casualty was picked up by a passing vessel and kept safe whilst the volunteer crew from Douglas RNLI made their way towards them.
Following an initial assessment, lifeboat crew member Martin Rankin was transferred onto the vessel where the sailor was to ensure they were safe and uninjured.
The lifeboat crew then stayed at the site of the fire with the boat to ensure it had fully burnt out and had sunk safely.
Speaking following the call out, Douglas RNLI Coxswain Peter Cowin said: ‘It is always sad to see a vessel sink but we are glad that the sailor is safe and well and we would like to wish them well following their ordeal.
‘As we approach the summer, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity, let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back, always carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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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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