30th-31st May 2009

Again, another weekend with good weather forecast resulted in us prepping for another busy weekend both on the water and on land.

Unlike the previous weekend, the sea state was far more challenging resulting in a number of incidents some requiring direct intervention, others where we were called upon to observe and a another where it was merely a searching for a semi submerged hazard to shipping (by far the most elusive as it appeared to have sunk completely!).

Both the main vessel and the 3.1 metre avon were used in varying situations.  The 3.1 metre was launched in one of the most rapid launches of the weekend where two persons in an inflatable dinghy capsized and drifted off towards the Beaulieu river exit.  Both were well, just a little sheepish from losing their dinghy.

Our first aid crews on shore were kept very busy with all manner of jobs, the most serious being a young man who had managed to seriously damage his hand, resulting in a trip to casualty for which he required surgery.

All in all a very busy weekend, especially for two of our latest crew members (Dave and Nicole) who put their Red Cross accreditations to good use on Saturday.

Cheers all!

UPDATE:

After further communication from the gentleman with the hand injury, upon leaving hospital on the Sunday evening, he still has his main waggling finger due to two and a half hours of surgery.  We as a crew are very pleased with the outcome and extremely proud of both Nicole and Dave for their quick  and correct assessment of the injury and the calm and professional advice given.  WELL DONE CHAPS, YOU NOW HAVE YOUR CALLSIGNS.

Apparently it was a 50/50 as to whether this mans finger would have been amputated. so doubly well done guys.