RNLI RESCUES 2 CASUALTIES FROM SUNKEN BOAT

24th July 2023

Yarmouth RNLI were called to help rescue 2 crew members whose boat had sunk over the weekend.

This next tasking came when HM Coastguard was alerted to an activated emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at 16:25 south of the Needles Lighthouse.

The RNLI crew began to make their way to the position through the force of 6/7 winds, rough sea, and poor visibility, but they were then quickly tasked with what would be their most time-critical shout of what was a very busy weekend.

At 16:55, the RNLI crew headed towards the next call out towards Dolphin Bank, west of the Needles Lighthouse, where Yarmouth RNLI put their all-weather lifeboat to good use as it hit waves of three to 4-metre swells due to the rapidly deteriorating weather.

Making good speed, the crews arrived on the scene to the sight of a sunken vessel leaving the 2 crew in an inflatable life raft awaiting the prompt response of the RNLI volunteer crew. In attendance was Coastguard Helicopter 175, who stood by whilst Yarmouth crews made their initial casualty assessments.

It was then decided that Yarmouth RNLI would transfer both casualties back to Yarmouth Harbour where an ambulance awaited their arrival to treat minor injuries sustained whilst evacuating the sinking vessel onto their life raft.

Howard Lester, Yarmouth RNLI Coxswain said.

“Yesterday’s Fastnet race was the busiest one for Yarmouth Lifeboat, responding to six incidents in some very challenging conditions in the Western Solent and beyond. We were very fortunate that all our call outs were to crews with means of calling for help and were equipped with lifejackets and personal locator beacons and had life rafts accessible onboard”.

Throughout the weekend the RNLI crew attended numerous Fastnet Race related incidents.