
Yarmouth RNLI launched to reports of two people in the water at Totland Bay
On 22 February 2024, Yarmouth’s all-weather RNLI lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard whilst on a non-operational exercise at sea, after the report came in that two people had been seen falling into the water at Totland Pier.
After going afloat with a film crew at 3:30pm, Yarmouth RNLI volunteer crew had their exercise cut short as HM Coastguard paged them at 3:45pm after several calls had been made that two members of the public had fallen into the water near the pier in Totland Bay.
After a rapid return to Yarmouth Harbour to drop off the onboard film crew that had joined Yarmouth RNLI that day, the volunteer crew made exceptionally good speed to the last known location of the casualties through choppy sea conditions blustery North-westerly winds and arrived at the search area by 3:59pm. Once on scene, Yarmouth lifeboat joined Rescue Helicopter 175, and both units performed an immediate search of the area as 999 calls were still coming in from the public regarding two casualties being in the water. It was then determined that the casualties had been involved in a landslide.
A further 999 call was then made, stating that the casualties had made their own way back to shore, and had taken shelter in a nearby car. It was during this time that The Needles Coastal Rescue Team (CRT) had been scrambled to assist, and that Rescue Helicopter 175 had lowered their winchman paramedic down onto the beach to then accompany The Needles CRT in assessing the two casualties.
Minor injuries were found, and the winchman returned to the Coastguard Helicopter as the IOW ambulance service arrived to take over the casualty care.
Yarmouth RNLI were then stood down, and began to make passage back towards Yarmouth Harbour.
Yarmouth Lifeboat Press Officer, Hebe Gregory said:
‘No-one goes to the coast and expects to be rescued, and today’s events are the perfect example of this. It is only because of the generosity of the general public that the RNLI can continue its lifesaving work around our coastlines for when situations like this arise. From Yarmouth RNLI, we wish the two casualties a speedy recovery.’
After post recovery checks, Yarmouth Lifeboat was marked as ready for service at 4:25pm.
As a result of this landslide, an emergency closure has been put into place on the Totland side of the sea wall to the north of the pier.
Notes to editors
-
Photos attached – 17-25 out during an exercise in moderate sea conditions and a photo of two All-weather lifeboat crew awaiting launch on exercise from Yarmouth Harbour.
-
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.
-
As well as 2024 being the year the RNLI celebrates its 200th year, it will also be Yarmouth Station's 100th year in service.
RNLI media contacts
-
Hebe Gregory, Yarmouth RNLI Press Officer,
-
Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London),
-
Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East),
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.