Sailor rushed to hospital with severe head injuries after large rescue operation in the Solent

Coastguard teams, including Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS), were called out at about 11.20am on Friday after the crew member of a 44ft sailing vessel was injured.

HMS Severn, which was nearby, launched a rescue boat with four sailors who were able to board and give first aid.

The team from GAFIRS arrived at the same time as a Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter, and a paramedic was winched down to get to the yacht.

The sailor was treated before being taken to hospital with severe head injuries.

The Wightlink ferry St Clare stood by in case any help was needed, and the Hamble independent lifeboat helped bring the vessel back into Hamble.

GAFIRS took the sailors to Portsmouth Naval Base.

Coxswain James Baggott said: ‘This was a multi asset rescue conducted in freezing conditions and difficult seas.

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‘The crew of HMS Severn did a fantastic job treating the casualty and should be applauded for their fast action.’

The incident was the 104th of the year for GAFIRS, an independent lifeboat charity that is not part of the RNLI. GAFIRS relies on local public donations to keep its lifeboats afloat in The Solent.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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