Launches & Call Outs

Tuesday 12th May 2009

Lifeboats   RNLB Jim Moffat         RNLB Telford Shopping Centre     

Op. No                    14-38          D-684

O.N                           1275                                                   

Launch Time              18:05 BST

RTS Time                21:15 BST

Wind State              S.S/E fresh Breeze 4 - 5

Sea State                Moderate

Visibility                  Good/Moderate

Service Description;

Clyde Coastguard paged the RNLI All Weather Lifeboat and the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat crew this evening to go to the aid of tow males who had been Jet Skiing off Stevenson Slip.  The two had become separated and got into danger.

 Using the last known estimated position the lifeboat began to search to seaward. The Jet Ski was sighted and the ILB went to investigate.  Meanwhile it had been reported to the ALB that a second person had been in the vicinity of the Northern Outflow Buoy.  On investigation the ALB crew observed that a male was indeed sitting on the buoy.  Manoeuvring the ALB alongside the buoy, a crew member made transit onto the buoy in order to assess the condition of the casualty.  Initial assessment revealed that the casualty was hypothermic and in danger of becoming unconscious on scene. A Royal Navy rescue helicopter was 'standing by' on scene and the decision was made for an immediate air lift of the casualty to hospital was required.  The crew member, who was with the casualty, prepared him for the air lift and also gave him motivation and reassurance that everything was going well.  The airlift from this precarious perch was made with success and the casualty quickly transferred to hospital. The crew member was recovered to the ALB and the boat made ready to receive the second casualty who had been picked up by the ILB from the Jet Ski.

The ILB came alongside the ALB and the casualty was transferred. He was then taken to the wheelhouse for assessment. The casualty was showing signs of hypothermia and treated for such.  The casualty was made warm and comfortable and given oxygen, reassured that both he and his brother were now 'in safe hands'. 

All speed was made for Ardrossan and once berthed the casualty was transferred to the waiting Paramedics and Ambulance. Meanwhile the ILB had returned to the location of the Jet Ski and taken it in-tow to Stevenson Slip for recovery.

The safe and speedy launch and recovery of both RNLI Lifeboats was ably assisted by members of the RNLI Lifeboats Shore Crew.

ALB Crew   - 1 - 2 -3 - 9 -12 - 16