VIDEO: Lymington RNLI lifeboat crew takes part in air and sea rescue of injured sailor on board sinking yacht at Bouldner Bay

AN injured sailor was rescued from a sinking yacht by Lymington RNLI.

The alarm was raised at 9am on Sunday, and the lifeboat launched to Bouldner Bay, joining a severn class Lifeboat from Yarmouth and the Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter.

The Yarmouth lifeboat’s crew had secured the stricken vessel to theirs and quickly deployed their salvage pump to start pumping it out.

They also sent casualty care-trained crew members on board to assess and treat the casualty.

Lymington’s lifeboat positioned itself under the rescue helicopter, taking on a paramedic who was winched down before transporting them to the yacht.

With the vessel still fast taking on water, Lymington’s salvage pump was also used, and both pumps worked flat out to keep the boat afloat long enough for an emergency lift out of the water in Lymington.

The sailor was taken by lifeboat to the town for further treatment by a waiting ambulance crew.

Lymington lifeboat helm James Douch said afterwards: “This was a very busy call-out with lots going on, many skills we train for were put to the test – helicopter transfer, casualty care, salvage pump, towing and more.

“With so many dangerous elements to this shout, safety is always in the forefront of our mind and on Sunday, both crews worked quickly and safely to secure a successful outcome.

“This really is what the RNLI’s ethos is about, working together to remain as one crew.”

This dramatic incident came after Lymington RNLI responded to three shouts during the previous week.

Two of the call-outs were received last Friday, with the coastguard first requesting an immediate launch shortly before 1pm.

This was to a mother and child on a paddleboard stuck in a rip current west of Hurst Beach on the western side of the spit.

The lifeboat made its best speed to the scene before a further update from the coastguard stated the casualties were out of the water.

A doctor had checked them over and given them the all-clear, with no further assistance required.

The day’s second call came in as the lifeboat entered Lymington River, with reports a 44ft yacht with three people on board had a rope around the propeller and rudder in the shipping channel at Hurst Castle.

The stricken vessel had put out a pan pan call to the coastguard. Two lifeboat crew members boarded to help take down sails and secure a tow.

The boat was then taken out of danger and towed to the moorings outside Yarmouth Harbour.

On Sunday 10th August, shortly after 9.30pm, Lymington RNLI launched to a broken down vessel near Totland Bay.

However, on arrival the boat had been towed into shore by another vessel and the rescuers were stood down.