Cowes RNLI crew were diverted to a woman with a serious back injury yesterday afternoon (Sunday) while returning from Bembridge RNLI’s open day.
The crew of the B-class inshore lifeboat ‘Sheena Louise’ had been on the water since 11:30, taking part in a rescue demonstration with Bembridge RNLI. At 14:10, while refuelling on the River Medina, they were tasked to an incident at West Lepe involving a small 3.5-metre rib.
A man and woman on the rib, accompanied by 2 friends on a jet ski, had been travelling home from Yarmouth when a rogue wave struck the bow. The impact left the woman with a painful back injury, restricting her movement.
Cowes RNLI made best speed to the location, where 2 qualified casualty carers carried out an assessment. With helicopter evacuation ruled out, the crew administered first aid before escorting the rib across the water and up the Beaulieu River to Gins Old Farm House.
Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team and a waiting ambulance then took over care of the casualty.
The crew returned to station at 17:15, having spent more than 5 hours on the water.
Ady Stothard, Helm at Cowes RNLI, has said:
“We spent five and a half hours on the boat, which makes this one of our longest shouts without a crew change. I am proud of the crew for their fortitude and determination. Once we heard the tasking was to a severe back injury, we made the collective decision not to delay with a crew change and to respond immediately.
Article continues below this advertisement “It was a difficult rescue as we had very few options available to us and I am proud of how we responded and happy we were able to get the casualty safely to shore and into the care of paramedics. Adaptability, quick thinking and teamwork are key to successful rescues, and the crew demonstrated that here.”
Cowes RNLI have thanked the 2 people on the jet ski who assisted by slowing passing boats to reduce wash, as well as the man aboard the rib who provided an accurate location using the what3words app.
