The volunteer crew of Yarmouth RNLI were tasked to rescue 2 fishermen from a sinking boat in Christchurch Bay this afternoon (Saturday).
Solent Coastguard requested the launch of the All Weather Lifeboat at 14:50 after being alerted to the plight of 2 men on board a 45ft fishing vessel that was taking on water.
Thanks to the fast response from the Yarmouth lifeboat and neighbouring station Lymington RNLI, the 2 men on board the sinking vessel ‘Sunshine’ were evacuated to Yarmouth’s Severn-class lifeboat by Lymington’s smaller B-class lifeboat.
After ensuring the safety of the casualty crew, 2 RNLI crew members were placed on board with a salvage pump in an attempt to pump water out, however excessive debris in the bilge prevented this and pumping was abandoned.
A marker buoy was secured to the vessel and the RNLI crew members and pump were recovered to the safety of the lifeboat before the casualty vessel eventually sank.
