Burnham-on-Sea RNLI paged at 00.28 am, to support a medical evacuation
We were tasked at 00.28 am, on Wednesday 24 April, along with the Barry Dock offshore lifeboat, to support a casualty evacuation from an off-shore Hinkley point drop barge.
The casualty was suffering from chest pains, and coastguard helicopter Rescue 187 had been tasked to the incident.
Our Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Doris Day and Brian, was quickly launched, and made way towards the Hinkley nuclear power station exclusion zone, where we were to liaise with Barry Dock lifeboat and the rescue helicopter
The lifeboats were on scene in case the helicopter was unable to land a winch man on the barge. In that case, we would have been able to take the casualty on board, and transfer him onwards to the helicopter. This is one of the incident scenario’s we regularly train for. Upon recovery from the barge, the casualty was air lifted to Southmead hospital.
In the end we stood off as not required but it was important we were there to support. .
Burnham-on-Sea RNLI Helmsman Nick Prout said; ‘We quickly launched and made way to Hinkley Point exclusion zone, where a drop barge working rig had a medical emergency. Visibilty was good and we were able to stand bye in case of problems with the casualty transfer.
Launch Authority Marc Smith added: ‘Upon our return to Burnham, we undertook a low water recovery, excellently executed by the Head Launcher, drivers and shore team. Of course it was a very muddy recovery and our volunteers eventually returned home at around 3.30 am, after washing off all our kit and returning the lifeboat to service.’
ENDS
Notes to editors
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