Royal Navy Saves Yacht Crew from Sinking Disaster
A 36ft yacht was taking on water with five sailors aboard when disaster struck. Four crew members were battling severe seasickness as the vessel struggled to stay afloat.
HMS Diamond Leads Dramatic Rescue
The Royal Navy’s HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, was first on scene after the yacht sent out a Mayday call. Four of the sickened sailors were quickly evacuated. The skipper stayed onboard, aided by three Royal Navy specialists transferred from HMS Diamond to help keep the yacht from sinking.
The yacht was heading northwest under motor-sail at the time.
RNLI Lifeboats Join the Lifesaving Effort
Newhaven RNLI lifeboat pulled alongside HMS Diamond to collect the seasick casualties. The lifeboat then stood by until Bembridge RNLI arrived to provide additional support.
Lewis Arnold, Newhaven RNLI Coxswain, said: “The four casualties were very seasick, we needed to get them to the closest safe port.”
By 5am, Newhaven RNLI had delivered the exhausted crew to Portsmouth. Bembridge RNLI escorted the damaged yacht to safety. After nearly nine hours on the job, Newhaven lifeboat finally returned to base at 7.49am.
Commander Praises Crew’s Bravery and Skill
Commander Peter Barfoot, HMS Diamond’s Commanding Officer, hailed his team’s swift response as a textbook rescue.
“Diamond was nearby and able to respond quickly when the distress call came in,” he said. “We evacuated the crew needing medical help while specialists stayed aboard to support the skipper, ultimately preventing the yacht from sinking.”
“In tough conditions and without pause, my crew saved five lives and saved a vessel. This is the finest tradition of the Royal Navy, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
HMS Diamond has now left Portsmouth to join HMS Queen Elizabeth in northern European waters. The destroyer will play a key role in Operation Achillean, alongside warships, helicopters, and F-35 stealth jets.
