THREE RESCUED FROM COLD SOLENT AFTER BEING THROWN FROM RHIB

Three people were rescued from the Solent this afternoon after a very faint Mayday message was heard.
Solent Coastguard first held a faint call for help at just after noon today. To help establish exactly where the incident had happened Solent Coastguard asked the National Coastwatch Institute at Gosport to start a visual search. They alerted the Coastguard to an orange flare that had been set off and then reported that a yacht and the Police launch were approaching the RHIB and rescuing those on board.

Two people were transferred from the yacht to the Gosport & Fareham Independent Rescue Service and taken ashore for medical treatment. The remaining three crew were rescued by the Police launch. All five were met by volunteers from the Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Team and paramedics. Three were taken to hospital for medical attention.

Alan Waters, Duty Watch Manager at Solent Coastguard said
"The occupants of the RHIB were very lucky that they were spotted quickly as the water is very cold. Although the RHIB appears to have all the latest communications equipment it wasn’t used to call for assistance and so appears to be a case of ‘all the gear but no idea’.

“If you’re the skipper make sure that you and your crew know how to call for help if you need it. It could save your life.”

-Notes to Editors-
• 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. http://www.seavisionuk.org/
• Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch
• Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media

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