Equipped with a lifejacket and a line securely held by his team, Tom entered the water, carefully approaching the man to avoid triggering panic. He managed to free the man from the tangled ropes, and both were safely pulled back to shore by the Coastguard team. Tom then returned to assist the woman in the tender, stabilizing the small boat as he and the second casualty were hauled to safety.
Both individuals were uninjured but were attended to by the South East Ambulance Service as a precaution. Reflecting on the rescue, Tom said, “The adrenaline was running…we had to make a quick decision. Afterwards, it was rewarding to know our training had paid off.”
He emphasized the importance of safety precautions for boating, including wearing a lifejacket and carrying a personal locator beacon. The Coastguard reminds boaters that unexpected circumstances can arise quickly and that proper safety measures are crucial for every journey.
