Cowes RNLI lifeboat was launched this morning after a 54-year-old man fell overboard from a yacht on a training exercise.
The incident happened just outside Cowes breakwater when the guard rail he leaned on at the bow of the 36ft boat suddenly gave way.
Although the man – who was wearing a lifejacket – was rescued by the yacht within minutes, there was sufficient concern about his condition for a call to be made to Solent Coastguard.
The lifeboat, which launched at 09:14 with Mark Harker at the helm, came alongside the yacht to put aboard crew member Dr Will King. Dr King carried out an assessment of the man, who had swallowed seawater although remained conscious.
When the yacht arrived at Trinity Landing the man was taken to a waiting ambulance to undergo a further examination. Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team were called to the landing.
The casualty did not require conveyance to hospital and was able to return to the yacht to set sail for Hamble.
The yacht was involved in a Royal Yachting Association training course at the time of the incident. Coincidentally, among its 5 strong crew was a long serving member of Cowes lifeboat, Andrew Vaughan, who is well trained in casualty care.
