Lymington RNLI launch to 2 people in the water

The lifeboat was on scene by 9.28pm. Thankfully, the two casualties had already been recovered from the water with assistance from the ferry’s rescue craft. With support from Yarmouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat, the crew assessed both casualties and found them cold but otherwise fit and well. They were brought back to Lymington onboard the lifeboat.

It later transpired the casualties had been travelling from Lymington to Yarmouth in a small inflatable boat when an unexpected wave threw them both into the water. Their boat continued without them after the kill cord failed. Both were wearing drysuits and lifejackets, which undoubtedly helped prevent hypothermia while they were in the water.

First launch crew:
Declan O’Riordan (Helm), Piers Horobin, Simon Naylor, Jacob Clayton-Smith

After the lifeboat was recovered, the crew was tasked again by Solent Coastguard to provide safety cover. The casualties had located their inflatable and attempted to self-recover it from Pennington Marshes. With Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team on scene requesting the lifeboat’s launch, the crew escorted the casualties safely back to Lymington, where they were met by Lymington CRT.

The lifeboat was recovered, cleaned and made ready for service again by 12.23am.

Second launch crew:
Declan O’Riordan (Helm), Rob Merrix, Piers Horobin, James Douch

Al Mackay the stations lifeboat operations manager said 'Huge credit to Wightlink ferry for spotting the casualties and rescuing them so quickly, without their response the situation could have ended very differently.'

Suzanne Brown, Lifeboat Press Officer, Lymington Lifeboat Station [email protected].uk

Jess Curtis Regional Media Officer, SE and London . M:07483488243

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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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