An emergency search and rescue operation was launched in Ryde this evening (Wednesday) when a woman swam out to sea in pursuit of an inflatable swan.
HM Coastguard were alerted to the situation at just before 19:00 with Coastguard Rescue Officers from Bembridge and Ventnor tasked to the scene. Gosport Independent Lifeboat was also sent to the scene.
However, by the time the emergency services arrived beside Ryde Pier the woman had been rescued by a jet ski. It’s the second incident in 2 days where a local jet ski has come to the aid of persons in difficulty.
The woman was given stern safety advice by Coastguards.
Earlier on today, Bembridge CRT were tasked to the west side of Ryde Pier when a vessel was seen to capsize.
A member of the public raised the alarm at around 12:30 and stated that persons were in the water.
By the time the Coastguard arrived on scene the casualties had made it ashore.
This is a genuine request for information – why did Bembridge and Ventnor attend but not Ryde Inshore rescue – wouldn’t they be closer? Not criticism just curious
It was Bembridge coastguard CRT not the lifeboats
Depends on resources available. If Gosport Independent Lifeboat was already afloat, then they would be quickest on scene, rather than page RIR crew to launch their boat. Two Coastguard teams are normally sent to incidents, it’s just the current policy I believe. Plus, they have more authority than lifeboat crews when it comes to getting information from casualties.
Thank you!
Is a cheap inflatable swan worth risking life for
These people should be charged for the services involved.
If it came from the Big Cheese it will be unlikely to be ‘cheap’.
Thank goodness for our services, I am amazed at the continual “rescues” that are made for incidents that should never happen IF people respected the sea.
It really is time people started to take responsibility for themselves, and THINK before they act. It was lovely that a jet skier helped her, but THREE rescue craft sent, because of a cheap, plastic blow-up toy! The cost of this, and similar “self inflicted” incidents should be recouped from the individual.
What a idiot