Weymouth lifeboat joins large search and rescue of injured sailor

11th February, 2025

A sailor with broken ribs was rescued along the south coast after a large search and rescue operation involving Dorset lifeboats.

An extensive search by RNLI lifeboat teams and the Coastguard was launched after a sailing vessel failed to arrive at its destination.

Both RNLI Weymouth lifeboat crews, along with crews from Swanage and Torbay joined the rescue efforts which was supported by rescue aircraft from the Coastguard.

The missing vessel had departed Brixham with a passage plan that should have seen it arrive in Portsmouth.

During the search efforts the vessel’s Personal Locator Beacon was activated south of Berry Head in Devon and crews from nearby stations were able to locate the casualty and bring them to safety.

A spokesperson for Weymouth lifeboat station said: “With only limited communication having been received from the vessel and it’s exact whereabouts unconfirmed, lifeboats from Swanage, Weymouth and Torbay, along with the coastguard search and rescue aircraft a search was commenced.

“During shout the vessels’ Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) was activated south of Berry Head.

“Weymouth, Torbay and Dart lifeboats headed to scene along with coastguard rescue helicopter and aircraft.

“With Dart and Torbay lifeboats closer to the casualty vessel, the Dart Atlantic 85 undertook to transfer the casualty to the the Torbay lifeboat.

“The casualty was taken ashore by the Torbay lifeboat, conscious, but in discomfort with possible broken ribs.”

The Weymouth lifeboat was stood down and returned to station whilst the
casualty vessel was taken under tow and brought back into Brixham on Saturday morning, following the search.

A Weymouth lifeboat station spokesperson added: “A significant search involving adjacent lifeboat stations and coastguard assets brought about a positive outcome.

“This also demonstrates the importance of logging a passage plan with someone ashore, who can raise an alert if necessary, or RYA SafeTrx
https://safetrx.rya.org.uk/“.