A serious medical emergency onboard a boat moored in Newtown Creek led to the launch of Lymington RNLI lifeboat late last night (Saturday).
It was just gone 22:20 that Solent Coastguard paged the volunteers of Lymington RNLI to a time-critical emergency on board a 40ft yacht.
The lifeboat raced across the Solent at a speed of 30kts, quickly locating the yacht thanks to its crew flicking its navigation lights on and off.
2 crew members went on board and wasted no time in getting the male casualty, who was deteriorating fast, and 1 accompanying companion, onto the lifeboat.
Within just 4 minutes of arriving, the lifeboat was en-route to Cowes at full speed with the crew providing first aid to the casualty, including administering oxygen.
The lifeboat was met at Trinity Landing pontoon by paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, with the casualty rushed to St Mary’s Hospital. He was later airlifted to Queen Alexandra Hospital for specialist treatment.
With no room to take the casualty’s companion on the ambulance, she was returned to the yacht in Newtown Creek where she rejoined the skipper and rest of the crew.
Lymington Lifeboat was refilled and ready for its next shout by 01:27.
Well done, all concerned.