Multi-agency shout sees Yarmouth RNLI tasked to assist injured sailor

As further information was provided, it was determined that the casualty vessel had suffered engine and a person onboard had sustained a serious injury to their hand which resulted in Rescue Helicopter 375 also being scrambled to the location.

After making their way through the moderately chopping seas, Yarmouth RNLI ‘Eric and Susan Hiscock – Wanderer’ arrived on scene and the decision was made that Rescue Helicopter 375 would lower a winchman paramedic down onto Yarmouth Lifeboat, to then be transferred onto the casualty vessel to provide the initial casualty care to the injured sailor.

Both the paramedic and the casualty were then transferred onto Cowes’ Atlantic 85 Lifeboat ‘Sheena Louise’ who then made passage to Yarmouth Harbour where they were met by the Needles Coastguard Rescue Team and the IOW ambulance service for further medical care.

Yarmouth RNLI then transferred volunteer crew, Tom and Paul across to the casualty vessel to take control of the yacht and aid those remaining onboard.

The RNLI crews then discovered that the engine fault was due to overheating and allowing it to cool down meant that the crew onboard were able to make their way to Yarmouth Harbour, with the all-weather lifeboat escorting alongside.

After their post recovery checks, and refuelling, Yarmouth RNLI was marked as ready for service at 7:45pm.

Katie who was launch authority for the evening said: 'Two lifeboats, two CRT units, one ambulance and one helicopter! All those assets in my first shout as returning launch authority!

Once the Severn had launched in winds gusting 27kts, I listened to the boat's actions on the radio from the station. Comms between the assets were at times broken but it was really impressive to hear Coxswain Howard directing the Atlantic 85 to a safe place while the Severn put crewman Tom onto the casualty vessel, and then to listen in as Mechanic Richard relayed instructions between Coastguard, the helicopter, and the two lifeboats. Excellent teamwork by all assets and their crew! Well done to all involved!'

Notes to editors

• Images include 17-25 Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) on passage back towards Yarmouth. Cowes RNLI Sheena Louise and Yarmouth RNLI in Yarmouth Harbour and the Needles CRT awaiting the safe landing of Rescue 375.

• 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.

• May 2026 marked Yarmouth Station's 102nd year in service.

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