Stranded Solo Sailor Rescued After Yacht Hits Rocks Off Bognor Regis
A 32ft yacht ran aground on rocks off Bognor Regis on Wednesday evening, sparking a dramatic rescue operation. The lone sailor onboard, an elderly gentleman, found himself stranded after the engine failed.
Heroic Water Rescue Amid Rough Conditions
The UK Coastguard sprang into action, dispatching teams from Littlehampton and Selsey, along with RNLI lifeboats. But bad weather and tricky tides kept the lifeboats at bay, unable to get close enough to pull the man on board or secure a line.
Refusing to give up, three Coastguard Rescue Officers waded through icy waters for a risky technical water rescue. They reached the sailor just as he began to suffer mild hypothermia and escorted him safely back to shore.
Medical Aid and Ongoing Salvage Efforts
On land, the man received urgent treatment from the South East Coast Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital. Meanwhile, Coastguard teams secured the yacht, with lifeboats stood down once the rescue was complete.
The rescue teams finally stood down shortly after 4am. The yacht’s owner is now organising salvage, and the public are urged to keep clear of the vessel until the operation concludes.
