Diver Airlifted in Emergency Rescue Near Rampion Wind Farm
A diver was rushed to hospital with suspected decompression sickness after a dramatic rescue by Shoreham RNLI near the Rampion Wind Farm on Saturday evening.
Heroic Rescue Operation Unfolds
At 6:10pm on 21 June, Shoreham RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Enid Collett launched following reports of a medical emergency at sea. The volunteer crew quickly reached the casualty, bringing the diver aboard and providing vital first aid.
Awaiting the arrival of the HM Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter, the RNLI team kept the diver stable. The casualty was then winched from the lifeboat and airlifted to hospital for specialist treatment.
“This was an excellent team effort by all those involved to provide swift medical assistance to the casualty. The crew applied skills refreshed during recent training with the coastguard helicopter, showing great knowledge and ability,”
— Simon Tugwell, Lifeboat Second Coxswain
Swift Service Gets Lifeboat Back on Duty
The Enid Collett returned to shore by 8:00pm. After a thorough clean and refuel, the lifeboat was back in action and ready for service by 8:27pm, proving the team’s impressive operational efficiency.
RNLI and Coastguard: Lifesavers at Sea
This rescue highlights the crucial role of RNLI volunteers working alongside HM Coastguard to save lives at sea. Decompression sickness, or “the bends,” is a serious condition that demands urgent hyperbaric treatment and quick evacuation.
With summer diving activity ramping up along the south coast, RNLI is urging all water users to stay alert, prepared, and prioritise safety.
