A call-out to assist a yacht with engine failure quickly escalated to a medical emergency for the Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat crew.
The skipper of the 9 metre (29.5ft) yacht initially contacted Dover Coastguard yesterday evening when his vessel lost all power and he was unable to start the engine for the final approach to Sovereign Harbour.
Eastbourne’s volunteer lifeboat crew launched the all-weather lifeboat with the expectation of a routine tow back to the marina.
When on scene the yacht’s skipper informed the lifeboat that his partner was unwell so crewman Alex Emberley was transferred to the stricken vessel to assess the casualty’s condition.
It became apparent that urgent medical attention was required so an emergency ambulance was requested to be despatched.
The prevailing sea conditions prevented the safe transfer of the casualty to the lifeboat so the yacht with the casualty below decks was quickly towed to the marina where she was transferred to a waiting ambulance.
An Eastbourne RNLI spokesman said: ‘After further assessment and treatment from the paramedics the casualty was rushed to Eastbourne District General Hospital.’
Stunning footage of yachtswoman airlift during Clipper Race
UK Coastguard have released dramatic video footage of the rescue from the Clipper Race yacht, to medevac a crew member…
Clipper Race crew airlifted to hospital with chest pains
A Clipper Round the World Yacht Race crew member has been airlifted off the IchorCoal yacht in the North Atlantic…
Clipper Race crew suffers suspected broken ribs
Clipper Race crew member Michael Gaskin, from the West Midlands, sustained suspected broken ribs after he fell by the helming…
US sailor found after 66 days lost at sea
American sailor Louis Jordan who was rescued after two months lost at sea apologised to his father for not bringing…
Stricken yacht rescued off the North East coast
Two people were airlifted to safety after their yacht began to take in water and also suffered engine failure, north…
Rigging failure prompts Southsea yacht rescue
The yacht's forestay had snapped leaving the yacht in a precarious situation near Southsea seafront
Dismasted yacht rescue on the south coast
The 40ft cruiser was in danger of being swept onto the Shingle Bank
Dismasted yacht rescued by RNLI Plymouth lifeboat
The 7.5m boat yacht mast 'came down' in blustery conditions
Yacht rescued from shallow water
RNLI lifeboat crew tow the stuck cruiser into deeper sea
Lone yachtsman rescued from upturned vessel
A single-handed sailor was discovered sitting on his yacht's upturned hull, 20 miles off the Co Wexford coast, Ireland.