Yarmouth RNLI were called to help rescue 2 crew members whose boat had sunk over the weekend.
This next tasking came when HM Coastguard was alerted to an activated emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at 16:25 south of the Needles Lighthouse.
The RNLI crew began to make their way to the position through the force of 6/7 winds, rough sea, and poor visibility, but they were then quickly tasked with what would be their most time-critical shout of what was a very busy weekend.
At 16:55, the RNLI crew headed towards the next call out towards Dolphin Bank, west of the Needles Lighthouse, where Yarmouth RNLI put their all-weather lifeboat to good use as it hit waves of three to 4-metre swells due to the rapidly deteriorating weather.
Making good speed, the crews arrived on the scene to the sight of a sunken vessel leaving the 2 crew in an inflatable life raft awaiting the prompt response of the RNLI volunteer crew. In attendance was Coastguard Helicopter 175, who stood by whilst Yarmouth crews made their initial casualty assessments.
It was then decided that Yarmouth RNLI would transfer both casualties back to Yarmouth Harbour where an ambulance awaited their arrival to treat minor injuries sustained whilst evacuating the sinking vessel onto their life raft.
Howard Lester, Yarmouth RNLI Coxswain said.
“Yesterday’s Fastnet race was the busiest one for Yarmouth Lifeboat, responding to six incidents in some very challenging conditions in the Western Solent and beyond. We were very fortunate that all our call outs were to crews with means of calling for help and were equipped with lifejackets and personal locator beacons and had life rafts accessible onboard”.
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Throughout the weekend the RNLI crew attended numerous Fastnet Race related incidents.
Lots of very rich sailors having a great time enjoying their very expensive hobby, getting into difficulty calling out the Coastguard whilst you & I pay the bill.
It is a charity, it only costs us if we donate.
So you don’t donate but happy to use it’s services or other?
I take it that you àre not aware that lifeboats are funded by voluntary donations? And also it was not coastguards that were “called out” but crews of lifeboats who are mostly unpaid volunteers with just a couple of paid members. Even those paid members receive payment derived from voluntary donations.
I suggest you get your facts right before complaining.
Better still, make a substantial donation to your local RNLI
The article does say Coastguard Helicopter 175 was in attendance, so that is taxpayer’s money.
Oh makes it all better then that it’s volunteers having to be called away from their jobs, risking their lives so some idiot in yellow wellies who thinks we’re all beneath him can go and play in his expensive new toy?
You’ve got a big head that’s for sure
I’m surprised you are happy to publicly display your ignorance in this way. The RNLI is a voluntary service funded entirely by donation. You would be well served to ditch your narrow minded agenda and get some education