Lifeboats from Yarmouth and Lymington were scrambled alongside Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 to reports of a vessel taking on water off Yarmouth earlier this morning (Sunday).
It was at around 08:45 that a sailing vessel – with 1 person onboard – was reported to be taking on water in the Western Solent after colliding with Hampstead Ledge.
Solent Coastguard immediately coordinated a search and rescue mission, requesting the launch of Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat. The Coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was scrambled.
Lymington RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was also launched.
With reports that the lone sailor onboard the vessel at the centre of the mission had suffered a head injury during the collision, a winch paramedic was lowered down from Coastguard Rescue 175 onto Lymington Lifeboat – then transferred onto the 32ft yacht – to provide immediate casualty care.
By 10:30, the casualty vessel was taken under tow to Lymington. The sailor’s injuries were not deemed not to require an evacuation by helicopter.
It is at the marina that paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service rendezvoused with the lifeboat crew, who handed over the injured male into their care.
On the Island, Needles Coastguard Rescue Team was mobilised to Yarmouth Quay, but were not required.
