19 July 2007 - Injury to skipper on yacht

0020 Deep from their sweet dreams, the crew were woken by their pagers going off for the all-weather lifeboat to launch. An Oyster 54 yacht was at anchor in Studland Bay when they sent a Pan Pan radio message: the skipper had slipped down some steps into the main cabin and had gashed his head. The three other crew members onboard were very concerned as he seemed to be losing a lot of blood and they were unable to stop the bleeding.

The all-weather lifeboat launched at 0035 with nine crew members onboard – more were taken than usual as it was a calm night and it was anticipated that several hands would be needed to lift the casualty off the yacht.

The ALB arrived on scene at 0055 and two first aiders went onboard to determine what medical attention was required. The gentleman was conscious and able to walk but they placed a collar on him as a precaution and bandaged his head. He was then taken onboard the ALB and taken back to Poole Harbour where the lifeboat was met at the Custom House steps by an ambulance. He was then taken to Poole Hospital, accompanied by one of the first aiders who works at the hospital.

The lifeboat then returned to the yacht in Studland Bay as the remaining crew members were unsure about bring the yacht into Poole Harbour. Two other lifeboat crew members were placed onboard and brought the yacht back to Poole Quay, escorted by the lifeboat.

Our deputy launching authority then drove up to the hospital to pick up our crew member, was breathalysed on the way, and we can report that he passed with flying colours! On the way back he bought doughnuts for the crew from the 24-hour supermarket.

Bacon butties and doughnuts in the same week – other DLAs please note!!

The casualty was later released from hospital and set sail early in the morning.