MAN OVERBOARD SAVED BY YACHT CREW

Press release: 141-11                                                        22 May 2011

At 08.11 am Humber Coastguard heard a mayday call made by a yacht called Martina who was sailing between Whitby and Scarborough. Humber coastguard responded to the vessels distress call and ascertained the nature of their distress.

The crew of the yacht reported that they were in a strong sea with a southerly wind of 30-40 knots. They were not sailing but motoring and suffered engine failure. Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the Scarborough RNLI lifeboat to go to their assistance. The Coastguard rescue team from Scarborough were deployed to the clifftop to keep the vessels under observation.

Subsequently, another yacht called Shameless made a 999 call to Humber Coastguard reporting that they had a man overboard from their yacht and were holding onto him at the stern of their vessel. Humber Coastguard requested a helicopter and R128 was scrambled. Whitby RNLI lifeboat was also requested to launch.

Whilst these incidents were being dealt with, another yacht called Bandit made a distress call stating that they had lost engine power and were taking a battering and required assistance. They were taken under tow by lifeboat

Further information ascertained that the three yachts had left Whitby together and were taking part in the Whitby to Scarborough race.

Lynda Bell, Watch Officer, Humber Coastguard said:

Fortunately, the man who had gone overboard from his yacht was wearing a lifejacket and his colleagues were able to save him.

If you are undertaking any activity, ensure that your equipment is well found, that you assess the activity and check the weather before venturing out.

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