Yarmouth RNLI crew pagers sounded yesterday morning (Tuesday) as they were called to the aid of a pair sailors who had come into difficulty 4 nautical miles South of Hengistbury Head, between Bournemouth and Mudeford.
Having made good speed through the force 5 winds, Yarmouth RNLI arrived on scene just after 10:30 and it was found that the casualty vessel was under sail, but the crew onboard unfortunately were struggling to control the direction of the vessel due to the strong gusts which had caused the vessel to head in the direction of a Shingle bank.
Two crew members boarded the casualty vessel to assess the situation more closely, and it became apparent that both casualties had seasickness that had caused them to become dehydrated and disorientated.
The RNLI crew performed a quick medical assessment and monitored the person who had also somehow sustained a minor head injury. Where they were both conscious and speaking, the decision was made to take them back into Yarmouth Harbour to meet with medical teams from the Isle of Wight.
The 2 RNLI crew on board the casualty vessel took over the helm and helped navigate the sailing yacht back to Yarmouth, whilst making regular checks on both casualties. The RNLI Lifeboat and remaining crew stayed close to escort the sailing yacht should further assistance be required.
Once the RNLI Lifeboat and casualty vessel had arrived in Yarmouth, they were met by Needles Coastguard Rescue team (CRT) and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service who once ashore, conducted further medical assessments on the casualties whilst the Harbour staff and Needles CRT helped secure the boat on the casualty pontoon behind the Lifeboat berth.
After their shoreside post recovery checks Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat was marked as ready for service at 11:54.
