
Lymington RNLI launch to a small dinghy with engine failure
At 3:41pm on Tuesday 14 March the pagers sounded for the voluntary crew of the RNLI Lymington lifeboat.
The lifeboat was tasked by the HM Coastguard to search and locate two persons in a small inflatable dinghy that had lost engine power and were drifting onto a lee shore, on the Isle of Wight.
Under the command of James Douch, the lifeboat launched quickly and located the two casualties and their dinghy in Colwell bay, just south of the dangerous waters of the Hurst Narrows.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat David Bradley, with a top speed of 35 knots took just 7 minutes from the lifeboat launching to being on scene with the casualties. It was a SW wind and the weather was fair. Once it was established both occupants were unharmed, they were transferred to the lifeboat and a tow established back, given the proximity to the shipping channel. The dinghy was taken to Keyhaven slipway where the vessel was launched.
The Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team was also in attendance.
Crew: James Douch (Helm) Declan O’ Riordan (Crew) Alex Shephard (Crew) Ollie Janson (Crew)
The helmsman commented on the rescue:
'The occupants did the correct thing by calling the UK Coastguard on 999 as soon as they realised they may be in danger.Its very important that when anybody goes to sea, they carry the correct safety equipment.'
This was a very special rescue for crew member Ollie as it was his first ever rescue. Ollie has been working hard training and is excited to continue his training and the rescues that will follow. Well done.
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.