Royal Navy Saves Yacht Crew in Dramatic Rescue off UK Coast
Yacht Takes on Water, Crew Battles Seasickness
A 36FT monohull yacht sprung a leak while sailing northwest. Five sailors were aboard, but four were struck down with severe seasickness, making rescue urgent.
HMS Diamond Leads Rapid Rescue
The Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyer HMS Diamond was first on the scene after a Mayday call. Four sick crew members were quickly evacuated, while the skipper stayed onboard. To keep the yacht afloat, HMS Diamond deployed three sailors to assist the skipper.
RNLI Lifeboats Join the Operation
- Newhaven RNLI reached the scene to take the seasick sailors off HMS Diamond.
- Bembridge RNLI arrived to escort the yacht to safety.
- Newhaven’s Coxswain, Lewis Arnold, said: “The four casualties were very seasick, we needed to get them to the closest safe port.”
The sick crew were taken to Portsmouth, arriving around 5am. Newhaven RNLI then returned home after nearly nine hours at sea.
Commander Praises Lifesaving Team
Commander Peter Barfoot, HMS Diamond’s Commanding Officer, hailed his crew’s swift action:
“When the yacht sent out her distress call, Diamond was nearby and responded quickly. We evacuated those needing medical help and sent specialists to assist the skipper, preventing the yacht from sinking.
“In tough conditions, my ship’s company saved five lives and stopped a vessel from being lost. I couldn’t be prouder.”
HMS Diamond Sets Off on New Mission
Following the rescue, HMS Diamond left Portsmouth to join HMS Queen Elizabeth for Operation Achillean in northern European waters, forming part of a formidable Carrier Strike Group with warships, helicopters, and F-35 stealth jets.
