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Swanage Coxswain and crew receive Chief Executive’s Commendation for rescue

Lifeboats News Release

The Coxswain Dave Turnbull and crew members Rob Aggas, Tom Greasty, Phil Palmer, Andy Redout and Sam Aggas have been awarded a Chief Executive's Commendation following a rescue they attended on 22 July 2023 in strong winds and confused seas.

Crew from the day of the rescue, left to right - Tom Greasty, Phil Palmer, Dave Turnbull, Andy Redout, Sam Aggas, Rob Aggas.

RNLI/Becky Mack

Crew from the day of the rescue, left to right - Tom Greasty, Phil Palmer, Dave Turnbull, Andy Redout, Sam Aggas, Rob Aggas.

This was the third tasking on the evening of the Rolex Fastnet Race 2023, following two rescues earlier in the day. The Swanage all-weather lifeboat was tasked at 8.55pm to a third incident 3nm east of Ballard Down.

The casualty had suffered a head injury and been knocked overboard and then dragged through the water by their lifeline until the yacht's crew could get them back onboard. The casualty was reported to be onboard but was slipping in and out of consciousness and required immediate medical assistance.

The HM Coastguard helicopter from South Wales, 'Rescue 187' had been tasked and was hovering overhead but had been unable to put their paramedic aboard because of the adverse conditions that were throwing the yacht to and fro. The helicopter was also running low on fuel but was able to remain on scene until the lifeboat arrived.

Once on scene the yacht was requested to head into the wind to slow it down and reduce the boat's motion as much as possible. The lifeboat came alongside the yacht and transferred two casualty care trained crew members, a first aid kit and oxygen. With the transfer completed the helicopter that had been overhead illuminating the scene then departed to refuel.

An assessment of the casualty was completed, and immediate evacuation was required, and an ambulance requested. The yacht followed the lifeboat into the calmer waters of Studland Bay so the casualty could be transferred safely to the lifeboat. Once in calmer waters a stretcher was passed across and the casualty was carefully secured in preparation for transfer.

Whilst this was being done the yacht picked up a mooring and the lifeboat tied up alongside. The casualty and one of their crew mates were transferred to the lifeboat then best speed was made to the ferry steps just inside Poole Harbour where an ambulance was waiting.

The casualty was transferred to the care of the ambulance crew and the lifeboat was released to return to station just before 11pm.

Our Launch Authority on the day, George Wallace, recorded this rescue and requested that the service was acknowledged in view of the successful and safe rescue despite the difficult conditions. George said ‘After already having spent several hours at sea that same day, the Coxswain and crew demonstrated outstanding seamanship in challenging, deteriorating conditions over the evening, with the wind reaching gale force gusts and the seas building as it approached high tide with breaking waves in excess of 4 meters. The Coxswain brought the boats together several times over the course of the rescue to transfer people and kit during which neither boat was damaged and no harm to personnel occurred. It is fitting that the dedicated training and commitment of these volunteers was recognised’.

The Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, acknowledged the part each crew member played in the rescue issuing personalised framed commendations. The Chief Executive said ‘I would like to express my sincere thanks on behalf of the RNLI for your dedicated service to Swanage Lifeboat Station. To Dave Turnbull I would particularly like to commend your skilful boat handling in such challenging conditions, which enabled personnel and medical equipment to be safely transferred to the casualty vessel. As a result of your and your crew’s actions, one life was saved’.

Notes to Editors

  • Photograph of the crew from the day (left to right) Tom Greasty, Phil Palmer, Dave Turnbull, Andy Redout, Sam Aggas, Rob Aggas. Photo credit - Beck Mack

RNLI volunteer media contact

For more information please telephone Becky Mack, Swanage RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07812 558487 or at [email protected]

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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