By Isle of Wight Observer
An injured sailor, whose 32ft-sailing yacht’s boom struck him on the head, was rescued by Cowes RNLI on Tuesday.
The crew were tasked to the emergency alongside a police RIB and coastguard helicopter at 2pm, and attended the sailor on his yacht between Osborne Bay and Wootton.
First aid was administered to the casualty on board his vessel, while a paramedic was winched from the helicopter into the RNLI lifeboat. Upon assessment, the casualty appeared to be alert and out of immediate danger, so the decision was made to transfer him to Hamble, where he was met by Hill Head Coastguard Response Team to await an ambulance. The Cowes RNLI crew returned to station at 4pm.
Libby Finch, Cowes RNLI helm, said: “We were happy to be able to help today, and to reach the casualty so quickly. He did the right thing in calling for help as soon as he was injured. When going sailing, always carry a means of calling for help. If in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
