Yarmouth RNLI tasked to sailing yacht in difficulty
Yarmouth Lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard on 18 September in response to a Mayday call from a 24ft sailing vessel with two persons on board, one of whom had sustained a minor head injury.
Yarmouth RNLI crew pagers sounded at 9:59am and launched quickly onto the choppy sea to aid two sailors who had come into difficulty four nautical miles South of Hengistbury Head, between Bournemouth and Mudeford.
Having made good speed through the force five winds, Yarmouth RNLI arrived on scene just after 10:30am and it was found that the casualty vessel was under sail, but the crew onboard unfortunately were struggling to control the direction of the vessel due to the strong gusts which had caused the vessel to head in the direction of a Shingle bank.
Two All-weather Lifeboat crew members boarded the casualty vessel to assess the situation more closely, and it became apparent that both casualty’s had seasickness that had caused them to become dehydrated and disorientated.
The RNLI crew performed a quick medical assessment and monitored the person who had also somehow sustained a minor head injury. Where they were both conscious and speaking, the decision was made to take them back into Yarmouth Harbour to meet with medical teams from the Isle of Wight.
The two RNLI crew on board the casualty vessel took over the helm and helped navigate the sailing yacht back to Yarmouth, whilst making regular checks on both casualties. The RNLI Lifeboat and remaining crew stayed close to escort the sailing yacht should further assistance be required.
Once the RNLI Lifeboat and casualty vessel had arrived in Yarmouth, they were met by Needles Coastguard Rescue team (CRT) and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service who once ashore, conducted further medical assessments on the casualties whilst the Harbour staff and Needles CRT helped secure the boat on the casualty pontoon behind the Lifeboat berth.
After their shoreside post recovery checks Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat was marked as ready for service at 11:54am
Yacht sailing and motorboating can be a great way to enjoy the sea, but even when out on the shortest trips you can get caught out, so it pays to be prepared.
The RNLI has put together some great tips to make sure you get to your destination and enjoy every moment out on the water safely.
These tips include:
· Wearing and maintaining your lifejackets.
· Having means for calling for help, whether that be VHS radio or a mobile phone
· Checking and maintaining your engine
· Checking the weather forecast and tide conditions.
· Having the right level of training
You can read more in depth on our website
www.RNLI.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating#summary
Notes to editors
· Photo attached – 17-25 leaving the harbour by Hebe Gregory (Yarmouth LPO)
· Yarmouth crew assembling at Yarmouth Lifeboat Station by Hebe Gregory (Yarmouth LPO)
- Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat 17-25 Eric and Susan Hiscock ‘Wanderer’ came into service in 2001, prior to that Yarmouth RNLI had an Arun Class Lifeboat 52-08 Joy and John Wade which was in service for 23 years.
RNLI media contacts
● Hebe Gregory, Yarmouth RNLI Trainee Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]
● Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East), 0207 6207426, 07785 296252
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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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 142,700 lives.
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