FAMILY AIRLIFTED FROM YACHT OFF WEYMOUTH

Portland Coastguard coordinated the rescue of a family from their yacht after it started taking water two miles south of Portland Bill Lighthouse.

The yacht, First Instinct, issued a mayday call at 0903 today having sailed from Weymouth. The family of three adults and two teenage children had discovered a large amount of water coming into the 45 foot long yacht placing them in immediate danger of sinking in rough water in the Portland tidal race.

Portland Coastguard scrambled the coastguard rescue helicopter based at Portland who were on scene a few minutes later and launched Weymouth RNLI Lifeboat. The local boat Offshore Rebel responded to the mayday broadcast and stood by the yacht. One adult and the two children were airlifted from the yacht by the Coastguard helicopter which took them to the Portland airbase then returned to the scene. Weymouth RNLI Lifeboat took the yacht in tow for Weymouth after placing a pump on board which managed to keep up with the ingress. Portland Bill National Coastwatch station was asked to observe the units.

Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team looked after the casualties at the coastguard airbase, and Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team met the yacht and lifeboat on their arrival in Weymouth.

At the onset, the yacht confirmed that all crew were wearing lifejackets and that no injuries had been sustained.

-Ends-
 Notes to Editors

1.      Carrying a VHF radio on your vessel is vital and VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is strongly recommended. Ensure your radio equipment is fully working and you know what to do in an emergency. With DSC you can send a distress alert along with your exact position, with one touch of the button. The distress alert  is repeated every four minutes until it is acknowledged either by a Coastguard Station (Ship to Shore) or by a vessel (Ship to Ship) within radio range.
  1. Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers are programmed into a DSC radio set and an MMSI is issued as part of your radio licence application, via Ofcom. It consists of a series of nine digits, which are used to uniquely identify the radio on your vessel.

  1. The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities.  Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. www.seavisionuk.org

  1. Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

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