Volunteer lifesavers from Yarmouth RNLI have been commended by the charity’s Chief Executive for their efforts in saving 2 sailors during the 2023 Fastnet Race. It was on Saturday 22nd July last year, during the 50th edition of the annual Fastnet Race, that Yarmouth Lifeboat was requested to attend several incidents in just a matter of hours. 1 of the incidents the volunteer crew responded to led to the rescue of 2 sailors, whose boat had unfortunately sunk at Dolphin Bank, situated west of The Needles Lighthouse. After battling through Force 7 winds and waves of 3-4m swells, the lifeboat crew came across the devastating sight of a sunken vessel, with the 2 crew evacuated into an inflatable life raft. Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 stood by as Yarmouth RNLI’s crew made their initial casualty assessments. It was then decided that Yarmouth Lifeboat would transfer both casualties back to Yarmouth Harbour, where an ambulance awaited their arrival. The actions of the crew members that night have been recognised by Mark Dowie, Chief Executive of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Expressing his sincere thanks for the dedication shown by the volunteer crew, Mark said:
“As a result of your actions two lives were saved. Your determination and commitment to saving lives at sea is greatly appreciated”.
Yarmouth RNLI volunteers were presented with their commendations at their Christmas party in December in front of partners and fellow crew. The recipients were Howard Lester (Coxswain), Robert Scott, Tom Blackburn, Richard Pimm (Mechanic), Alex Pimm, Graham Benton, Andrew Newman and Paul Coates-Evans. Other awards presented at last month’s function included a 30-year service award for Coxswain Howard Lester and a 40-year service award for Lifeboat Medical Officer, Dr George Thompson. In addition, 2 thank you letters in recognition for service were also handed to Hamish Fletcher who was the administration officer for many years, and Mike Harrison who was part of the Deputy Launch Authority for 22 years and launched the boat on service a total of 48 times during his service.
