Lymington Lifeboat battles rough seas to search for person in water
On Tuesday 9 April at 2.30pm the crew of the Lymington Lifeboat received an immediate launch request from HM Coastguard following a report of a person in the water, clinging to a buoy off Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.
The volunteer crew assembled and launched the David Bradley within six minutes of being paged, and proceeded at speed to the area to begin a search.
‘Searching for a person in the water can be tricky in calm seas, add a stiff breeze and seaway to match, and it becomes a lot more challenging. The vital information we receive from the Coastguard gives us real time tidal flow and drift, which dictates the search area and pattern used.’ commented helmsman Phil Baker.
The lifeboat crew conducted a shoreline search from Bouldner Bay to Fort Albert in rough weather. The Yarmouth all weather lifeboat and Needles Coastguard rescue teams were also scrambled to join the search.
After an hour of searching, all assets were stood down as it was understood to be a false alarm with good intent.
’On this occasion there wasn’t anyone in the water but we do encourage members of the public to err on the side of caution and dial 999 if you suspect a person is in trouble.’ said crewman Ed Wallrock.
Crew: Phil Baker (helm), Greg Pachany, Ed Wallrock, James Douch.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.