Stunning footage of yachtswoman airlift during Clipper Race

The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd medevac’d an injured crew member from the Clipper 2015-2016 Round the World Yacht Race entry ClipperTelemed+ to Colchester Hospital for treatment.

The Coastguard, who have just released video footage of the rescue, received a call from the racing yacht at about at 2.50pm on Friday, 29 July, reporting that the woman had fallen below decks, injuring her shoulder which was thought to be dislocated and potentially broken.

After connecting the vessel with a duty doctor to consult with the casualty, the Coastguard helicopter was sent to the yacht, which was approximately 10 miles east of Felixstowe, off the Norfolk Coast approaching the Thames estuary.

UK Coastguard Duty Controller Ian Guy said: ‘People often wonder what happens if you get sick at sea, who should you call – the answer is always the Coastguard. We provide a critical link to lifesaving medical services for seafarers, crew members and passengers with medical emergencies.

‘The advanced capabilities of our Coastguard helicopters allow us to airlift and transfer patients to the nearest hospitals, reducing the time it takes for patients to receive medical care. In this case the nearest lifeboat was over 70 minutes away so sending the Coastguard helicopter was the best and most timely option.

‘We are pleased to hear that the casualty only had a sprained shoulder and was able to return to the yacht the following day for the final leg of the parade on the River Thames.’