OFF duty rescuers commandeered a speed boat to race to the aid of unconscious yachtswoman.

They sprung into action after receiving a mayday call this morning from a 29 foot yacht off the Isle of Wight.

A woman, in her mid 30s, had been knocked out when she was struck by the boom.

Two members of the Lepe based Solent Rescue Independent Lifeboat, Andy Walker and Mike Howley, had been working on the Seadogz charter boat in Cowes when the distress call came through at about 11am.

They sped to her rescue joined by Lymington RNLI helmsman Simon Nuding who was working nearby.

Mr Nuding said: "She had been knocked unconscious and was lying on the bottom of the bottom. "She'd taken a massive knock."

The yacht and its crew was towed into Cowes where an ambulance crew was waiting to treat the woman for suspected neck injuries.

It is thought the yacht had been competing in a race at the British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta.

Source: DailyEcho.co.uk

10^th – 16^th July 2010

Saturday 10th July.

Solent Rescue launched SR1 for disposal of the coastguard and completed two patrols of the western Solent.

Unfortunately (and quite oddly), a large object went through the jet drive at the end of the day whilst in deep water, resulting in reduced performance.

Sunday 11th July.

Crew turned up and set about stripping off the jet-drive to inspect the problem. Upon closer analysis, we booked it in for a full medical and it was pinged off on a pallet to get serviced. Being a year since purchase, it was the prudent thing to do.

During the week.

Crew were running about, dealing with couriers and Ian got another 5 minutes of fame on BBC Radio Solent where we were awarded £450.00 to go towards a bespoke first aid system for the ATV. Many thanks for the donation, it will make a BIG difference to our unit.

The jet arrived back on the Friday and was re-fitted and tested that evening, ensuring SR1 was available for service the following day.

Saturday 17th July.

Solent Rescue 1 was at sea all day refreshing crew on MOB procedures and brushing up on heavy sea handling techniques.

 Although there were a number of incidents in the Solent, none of them were on our patch, although a number of our sister units (Hamble and GAFIRS) were very busy.

Sunday 18th July.

Solent Rescue 1 completed two extended patrols of the Western Solent and no situations required our intervention and no incidents were reported in the Western Solent.

A good weekend as no-one required our assistance.

Saturday

After the work put in over the past week, Solent Rescue was able to launch both boats as well as provide first aid cover for Lepe country park.

Whilst refuelling in Cowes, a call came in of a young girl going overboard on a sailing vessel near the brambles bank.

SR1 informed SCG of their location and were duly tasked.

Upon arriving on scene, an assessment was made, and it was decided that she would require further medical assistance.

SR1 escorted the vessel into Cowes whereupon the casualty was transferred from her own vessel onto the lifeboat, then taken into a berth to be met by paramedics.

 Informed SCG of intentions to continue patrol.

 As we returning to station, we were re-tasked to another vessel aground. Upon arrival, we ensured she was not taking on water.

Sunday

After a brief session of preventative maintenance, SR1 went afloat.

Upon exiting Cowes, informed SCG of position due to potential casualty at Calshot. Hamble already tasked so we headed off to the West.

Again, just as we were coming back for a coffee, we were raised by SCG of a windsurfer in difficulty at Calshot.

Proceeded and recovered the casualty who had suffered a snapped sail.

Just about to head back to station when we were made aware of another windsurfer with a snapped sail.

We transferred him and his board from a passing vessel, and then assisted him in recovering his sail. Took him to the shoreline and passed him to Southampton mobile also.

D-Day remembrance celebration

Over the weekend, we provided first aid cover to Lepe as a mass of people arrived to observe the gathering of equipment and shows.

During this time Solent Rescue dealt with 20+ first aid issues, from slight scrapes to rather nasty facial injuries which one german paratrooper received (got a bit carried away with defending his position).

Summary.

A very good weekend where we operated within the boundaries of capabilities.

Furthermore, thanks to Tracey and the rest of the John Lewis crew for their sterling work in rather blowy conditions. We really appreciate your ongoing support through these challenging times...... And thanks for the teddy for Eve.

Well done all, you've done yourselves proud.

Saturday

Vessel was launched and the lookout manned throughout the day, due to the fine weather Lepe Country Park was extremely busy, so whilst the vessel was on patrol, land based crew patrolled the 1.2 miles of shoreline to the East.

No notable incidents to report and the station closed down for the evening.

Sunday

Crew arrived on station for a day of service, this included giving a number of new crew a bit of area familiarisation.

Again, another busy day (Until 3pm) for the park.

Solent Rescue remained on station until the normal shutdown time, whereupon the vessel was returned to trailer and shut down.

 Monday - Thursday

Crew were on station throughout the week, completing maintenance and renovations to the station and trailer equipment. Many thanks to Sue for her sterling effort in the ops room, Mr Sheppard for popping on down to sort out a few bits (rather that than let me have a go and break something… again) and Andy for letting him in.

Top drawer ladies and gentlemen.