Yachtsman found unconscious in water - no lifejacket
After a large-scale overnight search, rescue services retrieved a casualty missing from a yacht moored at Studland in Dorset. The as yet unnamed skipper was found in the water at 2.15am this morning, shortly after the discovery of his yacht’s upturned tender. Despite being airlifted to hospital the yachtsman could not be revived.
The crew of the 47ft Musketeer of Stutton had been enjoying an evening ashore. Shortly before midnight last night, crew on the beach called Portland Coastguard to report that the dinghy had not returned from the yacht after a transfer, and were worried that its outboard engine might have failed.
In rough seas, high winds and poor visibility, the search of Poole and Studland Bays involved both Swanage RNLI lifeboats, Lee-on-Solent Coastguard helicopter and the Coastguard rescue teams from Swanage and Poole, and Dorset Police.
Initially recovered by lifeboat, the casualty, who was found not wearing a lifejacket, was given CPR before being transferred to Poole Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The yacht and its crew were assisted back to Poole Harbour by Swanage lifeboat.
Image: Musketeer of Stutton, courtesy Absolute Aqua
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