Woman Airlifted to Hospital After Head Injury at Sea
A woman suffered a serious head injury after slipping down a hatchway on a sailing yacht in the mid-Solent. She was airlifted to hospital following a dramatic rescue by Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) today.
Emergency Rescue Near Stokes Bay
The 24-year-old was aboard a 40ft sailing vessel near 1 Middle when the accident happened. Gosport Independent Lifeboat launched at 1.13pm and quickly found the yacht. RNLI Lifeboat was also called but stood down once GAFIRS arrived.
GAFIRS coxswain Peter Brown explained the tense moment: “When we arrived we placed a crewman onboard and assessed the casualty. She was conscious but had taken a nasty hit to her head.”
Medics decided the best option was to evacuate her onto the lifeboat and bring her back to their station for urgent care.
Coastguard Helicopter Called In
As her condition worsened, the UK Coastguard launched helicopter Coastguard 104 from Lee-on-the-Solent to airlift her to hospital swiftly. GAFIRS medical coordinator Emma Neal said: “Due to the seriousness of the casualty’s condition, an emergency transfer via helicopter was the most appropriate option.”
GAFIRS, working with Coastguard Hill Head Mobile Rescue and Hampshire Police, cleared a landing site next to Gosport Lifeboat Station for the helicopter. The paramedic crew took over medical care before rushing her to a nearby general hospital.
Volunteer Lifeboat Crew Save the Day
The entire operation lasted two hours, marking GAFIRS’ 103rd incident of 2016. The independent lifeboat station is staffed by volunteers available 24/7, every day of the year.
Thanks to their swift action and teamwork, a potentially life-threatening injury was met with expert rescue and fast hospital care.
