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Swanage lifeboat launches to a casualty with a head injury aboard a yacht

Lifeboats News Release

Swanage's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was tasked again this morning after a racing yacht reported a crew member had sustained a head injury following a fall below decks.

Swanage all-weather lifeboat launching down the slipway

RNLI/Jamie Trumper

Swanage all-weather lifeboat launching down the slipway
The lifeboat launched quickly and plotted a route to a position 6.5nm south of Anvil Point. After a short time, contact was made with the yacht and an updated position was received - which placed the yacht much closer than originally thought. Less than 10 minutes later the lifeboat was alongside the yacht and, in quite choppy conditions, placed two crew and medical kit on board.

While the lifeboat crew assessed the casualty, Coastguard helicopter 'Rescue-175' was airborne and was passed the yacht's current position. The lifeboat and Rescue-175 discussed evacuation options and formulated a plan.

Firstly a winch paramedic was lowered to the lifeboat and then transferred to the yacht to continue monitoring and treating the injured crew member. A helicopter landing zone (HLS) was secured in Poole by Coastguard volunteers and an ambulance requested for the final section of the evacuation.

After assessment and careful monitoring, the casualty was winched directly from the yacht, which was now in the calmer waters of Durlston Bay, to be taken to the Poole HLS.

On completion of the winching operations, the yacht and the ALB made the short trip to Swanage Bay to recover equipment and crew.

The yacht's remaining crew were happy to complete their passage, so the lifeboat was able to re-house to be washed down and made ready for service.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Gavin Steeden, Robert Aggas, Steve Williams, Becky Mack, Roydon Woodford, Fergus Holley, Neil Brooks

Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Gary Buglass, (Winchman) Luke Kill, Felix Williams, Ben Bamber

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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