| UK. Coastguard helicopter in gale force winds lifts unconscious woman from yacht |
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; "India Juliet")
| Thursday, 05 October 2006 | |
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Coastguard news: At ten minutes to two this afternoon, Solent Coastguard received a VHF call from the yacht 'Sea Biscuit' reporting an unconscious crewmember. The yacht had notified the Coastguard that one of the crew, a female aged 35 years was unconscious, but otherwise uninjured. Solent Coastguard utilizing the equipment available to them in the operations room was able to connect the skipper of the yacht on his VHF radio to a doctor on the telephone who was able to give medical advice. It was decided that the best course of action was to evacuate the lady by helicopter and transport her to the Isle of Wight. Bembridge and Needles Coastguard rescue teams were called out. Bembridge Coastguard team have set up the helicopter landing site with police and an ambulance standing by, Needles Coastguard are keeping observation on the incident from the cliff top. Coastguard rescue helicopter 'India Juliet' was scrambled to the yacht's location and the Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch. Mike O'Sullivan, Watch Manager, Solent Coastguard said: "The weather on scene is south south westerly, Gale force eight with heavy seas. The operation to evacuate this woman has been made difficult due to the weather. It was necessary for the Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat to take the vessel under tow, transfer a crewman onto the yacht and bring her round to head into wind so the helicopter can winch the lady off the yacht. "Our thanks are due the to RNLI crew for their excellent seamanship in very rough conditions and assisting in resolving this situation." |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 October 2006 ) |
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