Littlestone RNLI Net Recovery on return to station after mid channel yacht drama
At 10.47am on Tuesday morning, 17 September 2024 Littlestone RNLI Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat ‘Jean McIvor’ launched to reports of two casualties aboard a 26ft yacht in the middle of the Channel near the shipping lanes.
Dover RNLI all-weather lifeboat and HM Coastguard helicopter Rescue 163 were also tasked to the same incident but due to the rough sea conditions, HM Coastguard Rescue 163 was unable to winch the on-board paramedic down to the yacht.
Upon arrival at the scene, two members of Dover RNLI crew were already on board the vessel to attempt to remove the two casualties onto their lifeboat; however sea conditions made this very difficult in a 2-metre swell. Littlestone RNLI crew on this occasion had volunteer crew member Tom Whateley, a fully trained paramedic for the ambulance service, on board.
Tom was transferred to the yacht and carried out an assessment on the two casualties, one who was feeling seasick and the other who had a facial injury. Fortunately these were not life-threatening conditions.
Owing to the sea conditions and the fact the casualties were not in critical condition, the casualties stayed on board with the yacht taken under tow by Dover Lifeboat.
Once in Dover Harbour, Littlestone RNLI took over the tow alongside and brought the yacht into the marina, put the vessel alongside the pontoon and handed over to the HM Coastguard team.
On returning to Littlestone sea conditions hadn’t improved and the lifeboat safely completed a net recovery at 3.27pm.
Once the Littlestone RNLI crew had returned to station, inshore lifeboat helm, Ryan Wicken said:
‘Fantastic job all round considering this was a very complex shout in rough conditions, and a special thanks to Tom for looking after the casualties. Great job team – this is what we train for.’