Coastguard in rescue at Laser Worlds qualifier

by Courtesy News Now on 29 Aug 2005 The Humber Coastguard was involved in the co-ordination of a significant incident today local time in Britain, when a heavy squall ran through Tees Bay, causing many a capsize for the fleet in the Laser World Qualifiers.

Squalls hit the course just before 12.30pm this afternoon. The Laser Safety Control point contacted the Coastguard to inform them conditions had significantly increased and that a large number of Lasers had overturned and urgent assistance was required.

The Tees, Hartlepool and Redcar RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats were immediately asked to launch. Shortly after, it became apparent that a number of sailors were struggling in the prevailing weather.

Officials at the Laser Control Point advised the Coastguard that several crew had abandoned their boats altogether, whilst others were sitting atop their upturned Lasers and were awaiting assistance. The breadth of the area covered extended up to five miles out to sea and at least two miles across.

Once upon scene, lifeboat crews reported to the Coastguard that several masts were broken and a search pattern was organised to take into account the myriad number of vessels which had been taking part in the racing. Redcar Coastguard Rescue Team was mobilised to the shoreline to begin collecting any casualties.

Other vessels, including the race organisers’ rigid inflatable boat, also began to assist the Coastguard. Any vessel which was upturned or abandoned but had its crew accounted for, was taped as a marker for other search units.
Cleveland police were also informed of the ongoing activities, while race organisers began to tally the rescue crew with their shore-side list. A police helicopter arrived at the scene to assist in spotting anyone still in the water.

By 1.49pm all had been accounted for. There were at least 20 sailors at the boathouse who had been brought ashore. The abandoned, dismasted and upturned boats were then gathered in by various craft, including the safety boat, then brought to the marina for collection.

Mike Green, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager said, 'this was an awkward incident due to the number of Lasers involved. Race control is to be commended on the speed with which they requested assistance and for an excellent tally system which enabled all personnel to be quickly accounted for.’

‘The squally weather played havoc with a well organised race, but fortunately, except for one person who was taken to hospital, there are few reported casualties. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution response to this incident was extremely rapid and efficient; and they are now recovering any abandoned Lasers,' he said

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