An injured sailor was evacuated from a cargo vessel in the English Channel this afternoon (Sunday) in what turned out to be a challenging shout for the crew of Bembridge RNLI, when the lifeboat suffered a mechanical breakdown.
Solent Coastguard requested the launch of the All Weather Lifeboat from Bembridge at around 15:30 when it was reported that an individual had become injured at sea.
It took around 30 minutes for the lifeboat to reach the UAL Fortitude, where the casualty was treated and transferred onto the lifeboat.
It’s thought he suffered an amputation of a finger.
Things took a turn when Bembridge’s All Weather Lifeboat suddenly suffered a mechanical breakdown and lost the use of 1 of its engines. However, in their usual professional way, the volunteer lifeboat crew managed the situation and continued with the mission.
Instead of going to Portsmouth, as normally would be the case, the decision was taken to head for home.
It was a slow journey back to the boathouse at Lane End, but the lifeboat successfully rehoused and the casualty was transferred to an awaiting ambulance, with assistance from Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team.
UPDATE @ 19:08 – With the engine issue quickly resolved, the lifeboat has relaunched this evening to transfer the injured casualty to Southampton Docks, for onward conveyance to Southampton General Hospital.
UPDATE @ 21:10 – The lifeboat has been rehoused after successfully transferring the casualty to Southampton.
2 paramedics who accompanied the casualty have been returned to the Island at Trinity Landing, Cowes.
