Boat drama sparks huge rescue (From The Argus)

Boat drama sparks huge rescue

11:19am Saturday 16th March 2013 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

Boat drama sparks huge rescue

Police, paramedics, a rescue helicopter, the RNLI and coastguards were all involved in the 12-hour rescue of a man.

The man, who has not been named, issued a Mayday call after his 36ft boat hit rocks off Eastbourne on Friday.

It first got into difficulty in heavy seas off Bexhill at about 10.05am on the same day.

“Atrocious weather” worsened the situation – but initially the man did not want help.

An Eastbourne RNLI spokesman said: “The drama started on Friday morning when the Eastbourne all-weather lifeboat was launched at the request of Dover Coastguard when it was apparent that a lone yachtsman was in difficulties off Bexhill.

“Dover Coastguard was monitoring erratic radio communications from the vessel which had drifted dangerously close inshore and requested the volunteer RNLI crew to investigate.

“With the lifeboat alongside, the yacht’s skipper initially refused to make contact with the lifeboat crew. Whilst the ALB stood by, negotiations took place between coastguard officers and the skipper which eventually resulted in the lifeboat being stood down, the skipper abjectly refusing all offers of assistance.

“Coastguard officers monitored the slow progress of the yacht against wind and tide throughout the day and were becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of the vessel and its occupant.

“At 8.05pm in atrocious weather conditions with driving rain and gale force winds a ‘Mayday’ distress call was received by Dover coastguard from the yacht which had run aground on the beach below South Cliff Tower.

“Eastbourne all-weather lifeboat was scrambled and under way within a few minutes of the request to launch. Guided to the location by red distress flares fired from the yacht, the lifeboat was soon on scene.

“Unable to approach the yacht due to the low tide and breaking surf, lifeboat coxswain Mark Sawyer requested the assistance of the coastguard rescue helicopter to potentially pluck the yachtsman from his doomed vessel should the opportunity arise.

“The tide then begun to flood which drove the vessel further up the beach where eventually it was secured by coastguard officers. The yachtsman was then assisted through the surf and taken into the care of the police and ambulance.”

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