Just 9 hours into 2023, Cowes RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched this morning (Sunday) to assist an injured casualty in Gurnard.
The lifeboats operations manager is currently acting as the Duty Launch Authority this week and was walking his dog along the beach at Gurnard this morning when the incident occurred.
Soon after arriving shouts of help were heard from a wing foiler alongside another foiler entered the water to assist and a former crew member also kitted up in cold water wetsuit went to help.
After launching at 09:21, the team got the casualty and his rig ashore whilst the operations manager rang 999 for an ambulance and paged the lifeboat from his phone, calling the coastguard to report what was happening and requesting the assistance of a coastguard rescue team.
Despite the foiler being very experienced individual properly dressed for the conditions, a nearby group of regular sea dippers quickly arrived and helped to keep him comfortable layering him in dry robes, blankets, and a warm hat.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team were soon on scene followed by Cowes Lifeboat, Sheena Louise.
As the crew commenced their casualty assessment one of them suggested the swimmers form a windbreak to help keep him warm.
A paramedic arrived followed by the ambulance with the casualty was then put in a stretcher and taken to hospital.
