Coastguards pay tribute to yacht crew after copybook rescue

by RNLI/Sail-World Cruising on 6 May 2013 British Coastguards have paid tribute to the preparedness of a yacht crew in an MOB(COB) situation, which possibly saved the life of the overboard crew member who was wearing a life jacket and tethered to the yacht. While the crew could not retrieve her, they pressed the registered DSC radio distress button, which speeded swiftness of the response. The crew member was lifted by helicopter from the yacht and flown to hospital.

The incident happened in the weekend just past involving a yacht off Nash Point in the Vale of Glamorgan, say Swansea coastguards.

The skipper of the 35ft yacht sent a radio and mayday message at 07:10 BST reporting the emergency.

The woman was struggling to get back on board without success but was wearing a lifejacket and was attached to the boat.

An RAF search and rescue helicopter from Chivenor in Devon then pulled her from the water.

She was flown to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where coastguards later said she was making a good recovery.

David Jones, Swansea Coastguard duty watch manager, said: 'We cannot stress enough how important it is for people to be well prepared when they head out to sea.

'These crew members were well equipped. I believe the correct use of DSC radio no doubt assisted in the swift recovery of this casualty, who was also wearing a lifejacket and was attached to the yacht.

'We always advise people if they are going afloat for pleasure, working around water or fishing, they should wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. It's useless unless worn.'

The Barry Island coastguard rescue team was sent to the harbour to assist in the berthing of the yacht and help recover equipment.