Wells RNLI launches to assist casualty in water after vessel overturns

Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox, with a volunteer crew of three, launched from the North slipway outside the boathouse and made best speed to the scene. Two leisure craft already in the harbour were standing by an overturned day boat and the casualty.

The vessel had been on passage from Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells when it overturned in the harbour approaches, leaving the casualty in the water and separated from the craft, with the hull remaining inverted. Fortunately, the casualty was wearing a lifejacket and using an engine kill cord.

Peter Wilcox arrived on scene at 1.38pm, where the casualty who had been in the water for around 20 minuteswas recovered onboard. He was reported to be cold and fatigued, and the crew prioritised returning him to the station. The lifeboat departed the scene at 1.39pm and returned to the North slipway at 1.42pm, where the casualty was landed, warmed and cared for by the volunteer crew.

Following this, the lifeboat returned to the scene where the hull remained inverted in the main harbour channel. Due to its position in a busy and narrow navigational route into Wells harbour, it posed a significant hazard to other vessels and those onboard them. It was not safe to leave the vessel in position, as it presented a real and immediate risk of collision. The volunteer crew therefore established a tow at 1.45pm and recovered the vessel to the public slipway adjacent to the boathouse by 2.02pm to remove the danger.

Chris Hardy, Wells RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘This situation developed quickly, and the casualty found themselves in difficulty after their vessel overturned in the harbour approaches. Even experienced sailors can be caught out, particularly in unfamiliar waters and changing sea conditions.

‘When a vessel overturns and the hull remains inverted, it can be extremely disorientating. Entering the water unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, which affects breathing and can quickly reduce strength and coordination. Staying with your vessel, even if it is inverted, can provide flotation and makes you far easier to locate.

‘If you do find yourself in the water, remember to Float to Live tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, and move your hands and feet gently to help you stay afloat. This can help you conserve energy until help arrives.

‘We would always advise checking weather and sea conditions, wearing a lifejacket, using an engine kill cord, and carrying the appropriate safety equipment before heading out.’

The lifeboat was rehoused, refuelled and ready again for service by 3.00pm.

Once recovered, the casualty was assisted by a member of the crew to return to Burnham Overy Staithe to collect his vehicle and trailer. On his return to Wells, the volunteer crew helped him safely recover his vessel.

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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