Yarmouth RNLI tasked to assist ferry with casualties in the water
On Wednesday 25 February Yarmouth's all-weather lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard to the reports of two people in the water just outside of Yarmouth Harbour.
RNLI crews from Yarmouth RNLI were paged just before 9:30pm to two people who had found themselves thrown from their vessel after hitting a rogue wake.
The Severn Class all-weather Lifeboat 'Eric and Susan Hiscock, Wanderer' 17-25 and her crew made best speed to the casualties who had been transferred onto one of Wightlink ‘Wightsky’ lifeboats after being spotted in the water by an eagle-eyed member of their onboard crew.
The casualties were then brought onto the all-weather lifeboat where the RNLI crew began casualty care and helped keep them warm after being exposed to the cold evening elements.
Yarmouth RNLI then requested the support of Lymington RNLI who were then tasked to transfer the casualties onto their Atlantic 85 lifeboat and take them back to Lymington Harbour.
After the transfer, Yarmouth RNLI then began a search pattern in the effort to find the casualties missing vessel which had drifted after the kill cord had failed.
The boat was later located that evening when the casualty remembered their phone would still be onboard and used an app to secure the location of their boat.
Yarmouth RNLI was then stood down and began passage back to Yarmouth Harbour where when moored in their berth, made their post recovery checks, refuelled and were marked as ready for service just after 10:45pm.
This shout was a first for newly qualified crew member Kris who said.
‘It was great to put all the training I’ve received to good use. I really experienced the One Crew ethos first hand as we pulled together with other assets (Lymington RNLI) to search and recover the casualties. Very proud to be a part of such an amazing team.’
The casualties had all the correct equipment with them including lifejackets, personal locator beacons, means of communication and were both wearing dry suits, confirming that even those well prepared can come into difficulties at sea without a moment’s notice.
If you find yourself, or see someone in difficulty in the water, remember Float to Live.
Five simple steps that could save your life.
1- Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged.
2- Relax, and try to breathe normally.
3- Move your hands, to help stay afloat.
4- It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently.
5- Spread your arms and legs, to improve stability.
Remember it. Share it.
Yarmouth RNLI would like to take this opportunity to pass on its thanks to the staff at Wightlink. Your professionalism and fast reactions contributed to the success of this call.
Notes to editors
- Photos attached include evening images of Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat out at sea using searchlights.
- 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.
- 2026 marks Yarmouth Station's 102nd year in service.
RNLI media contacts
● Hebe Gregory-Pimm, Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer hebe_gregory-pimm@rnli.org.uk
● Jess Curtis, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London) jess_curtis@rnli.org.uk
● Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East) julie_rainey@rnli.org.uk
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.