Catamaran Capsizes Off Eastney Beach in Dramatic Rescue
Two lifeboats and coastguard crews raced to the scene after a catamaran capsized near Eastney Beach on Sunday afternoon.
Passing Yachtsman Spots Trouble
At around 12.30pm, a passing boat radioed the Solent coastguard after spotting a lone sailor’s catamaran in trouble. The capsize victim was being pushed rapidly toward the shore amid fierce winds and crashing waves.
Heroic Lifeboat Crew Save Exhausted Sailor
The Langstone Harbour Master quickly launched the Portsmouth RNLI lifeboat Brians Pride to investigate. On arrival, the crew found the sailor collapsed on the beach, exhausted after his struggle to swim ashore. Members of the public helped pull him from the surf, while two volunteer lifeboat crew braved the turbulent water to deliver first aid and oxygen, as the lifeboat couldn’t safely land.
Second Lifeboat Recovers Damaged Catamaran
A second lifeboat, the Norma T, was sent out to secure the battered catamaran, which suffered heavy damage to its port hull in the brutal sea conditions.
Man Rushed to Hospital
Paramedics treated the man at the scene before rushing him to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.
