Cowes RNLI rescues injured sailor alongside police and Coastguard helicopter
Cowes RNLI’s lifeboat launched alongside a police RIB and Coastguard helicopter at 2PM today, Tuesday 17 June, to attend an injured sailor between Osborne Bay and Wooton.
The lone sailor had been injured by his 32ft sailing yacht’s boom, and called Solent Coastguard for help.
On a sunny day with light winds, the crew on Cowes RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Sheena Louise reached the man in 5 minutes. They were soon joined by a police RIB and Coastguard helicopter. First aid was administered to the casualty aboard his vessel while a paramedic was winched from the helicopter into the RNLI lifeboat.
Upon assessment, the casualty appeared to be alert and out of immediate danger, so the decision was made to transfer him to Hamble where he was met by Hill Head Coastguard Response Team to await an ambulance. The Cowes RNLI crew returned to station at 4PM.
Libby Finch, Cowes RNLI helm, said: “We were happy to be able to help today, and to reach the casualty so quickly. He did the right thing in calling for help as soon as he was injured. When going sailing, always carry a means of calling for help. If in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
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RNLI media contacts
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Sofia Voudouroglou, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Deputy Press Officer 07594051372/ [email protected]
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George Chastney, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Press Officer 07530 254052/ [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789.
About Cowes RNLI Station
Cowes Lifeboat Station is converted from a former HM Customs Watch House, the rear of which is 300 years old. It looks out onto one of the world’s busiest shipping waterways and carries out a range of interesting services every year. It is the only station to be opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.