HMS Diamond Rescues Five Stranded Sailors from Sinking Yacht
A 36FT monohull yacht was taking on water with five sailors aboard. Four crew members were struck by severe seasickness as the vessel made a distress call.
Royal Navy’s HMS Diamond First on Scene
The Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond rushed to the rescue after receiving the Mayday. Four of the five crew were evacuated off the yacht, while the skipper stayed onboard. To aid the skipper, HMS Diamond sent three of its sailors onto the stricken vessel.
The yacht was moving north-west under motor-sail when trouble struck.
RNLI Lifeboats Join the Rescue
Newhaven RNLI lifeboat drew alongside HMS Diamond to take the four seasick sailors on board. Coxswain Lewis Arnold said: “The four casualties were very seasick, we needed to get them to the closest safe port.”
At 5am, Newhaven RNLI docked in portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth to deliver the casualties for medical care. Meanwhile, Bembridge RNLI escorted the damaged yacht to safety.
After close to nine hours on duty, Newhaven Lifeboat returned to base by 7:49am.
Commander Praises Quick-Thinking Crew
HMS Diamond’s Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Barfoot, lauded his team’s swift action. He said:
“When the yacht sent out her distress call, Diamond was in the vicinity and therefore able to respond in a timely manner. The ship’s company evacuated and disembarked the crew who needed medical assistance. Simultaneously, specialists provided vital support to the yacht’s skipper, preventing the boat from sinking.
In tough conditions and without respite, my ship’s company saved five lives and ensured this vessel was not lost. This is true to the finest traditions of the service and I could not be prouder of my team.”
HMS Diamond Prepares for Major Operation
After the rescue, HMS Diamond left Portsmouth to join HMS Queen Elizabeth for northern European operations. The destroyer will be part of the powerful Carrier Strike Group featuring warships, helicopters, and F-35 stealth jets on Operation Achillean.
