A lone sailor has been treated by paramedics after their vessel was hit by a rogue wave off The Needles earlier this afternoon (Tuesday).
Solent Coastguard requested the launch of Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat at around 15:40 after a Mayday call was received.
It had been reported that a motor vessel had been struck by a wave to the west of the Isle of Wight, causing damage to the boat and injuring the only person on board.
Yarmouth’s volunteer lifeboat crew assisted the casualty vessel into the safety of Yarmouth Harbour, where the Needles Coastguard Rescue Team were standing by to assist.
Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service also attended the quay side.
UPDATE @ 20:22 – The sailor at the centre of this afternoon’s rescue has spoken about the dramatic situation – and praised his rescuers.
Read more and see photos at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/the-boats-battered-but-im-alive-skipper-praises-rescuers-after-mayday-off-the-needles/.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
