| UK. Solent Coastguard mounts multi agency night search for missing dinghy sailor |
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| Saturday, 03 June 2006 | |
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Coast Guard news: At ten minutes to three, this morning, Solent Coastguard was notified by Hampshire Police that they were looking for a missing sailor. The 34 year old male sailor from Chichester had set off single handed at five o'clock on Friday evening from Langstone Sailing Club into Chichester Harbour. Winds had been very light and from nine o'clock the wind had dropped completely. Police and relatives had attended the sailing club and found the sailors car and trailer but the dinghy was still out. The visibility had dropped to less than fifty metres. An extensive search by Coastguard rescue teams from Hayling, Selsey and Portsmouth. Hampshire Police, Sussex Police, Hayling RNLI Lifeboat and inshore lifeboat together with two Chichester Harbourmaster patrol launches succeeded in finding the sailor alive and well at ten minutes to six this morning with his dinghy at Mill Rithe, Chichester Harbour. David Lee, Duty Watch Manager, Solent Coastguard said: "This is a good example of multi agency co-operation, however any dinghy sailor thinking about going out alone should make someone on shore aware of their intentions and what time they are going to return. It is also advisable to check the forecast to make sure that they can return to a place of safety. This sailor was wearing a wet suit and life jacket however, even in the summer, the risks of hypothermia still exist. Dinghy Sailors are advised to carry a VHF radio and flares, in case of emergency, Remember, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard." |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 03 June 2006 ) |
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