PLB Where? Permanently attached to your person of course

Mon, 5 Nov 2012

If you are, or have a yen to be, a solo sailor, the place for your PLB is around your waist, on your life jacket or somehow else attached to your person.

'I don't intend to get washed overboard, I concentrate all my efforts on staying onboard,' you might say.

Good reply, but here's an incident this week that could change your mind, and this could have happened to anyone, any time, any place.

The volunteer crew of Brighton Royal National Lifesaving Institution (RNLI) lifeboat were tasked to the assistance of an injured, single handed yachtsman in distress at 2.17pm one day last week.

The lone sailor had suffered an engine failure on approach to Brighton Marina and had become injured while attempting to set his sails.

Although the skipper had not broadcast a distress call, Solent Coastguard had received a number of 999 calls from members of the public who watched in horror as the 45 foot twin masted yacht was pounded against the marina wall in turbulent 3-4 metre waves and force 6 wind from the south west.

Within six minutes of the launch request, Brighton’s volunteer crew were alongside the vessel which had now suffered considerable damage.

The skipper was found lying on the foredeck of his vessel, clearly unable to move. He had apparent severe injury to his lower legs.

In the horrendously confused sea conditions, the lifeboat crew managed to secure a tow line and drag the yacht clear of the marina wall - away from immediate danger.

Once clear, the lifeboat came back alongside the yacht and transferred a crew member aboard to assess the skipper's condition and supervise the transit home.

Arriving back inside the marina, the yacht was taken under the command of the harbour workboat and the lifeboat crew were able to transfer the badly shaken and cold casualty to the lifeboat and evacuate him into the onward care of South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Brighton lifeboat returned to station, was refuelled and made ready for service.

Thank you, Brighton RNLI, yet again.

Watch this video of the highlights of the rescue:

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Pertinent response from reader:

Sender: Andy Muirhead

Message: I note that AMSA don't have an option for 'on person' when registering a PLB.

I bought this up with them last time when last registering mine several months ago but the form has not changed.

Rgds

by An Ancient Mariner