Youth Impaled After Jumping Into Pagham Harbour – Dramatic Lifeboat Rescue
A youth suffered a nasty injury after jumping into the water at the entrance to Pagham Harbour on Monday, 27th August. Reports emerged that he had been impaled on an object underwater, sparking a swift emergency response.
Rapid Coastguard Call-Out and Lifeboat Launch
The UK Coastguard received the distress call at 5.41 pm and immediately dispatched the Selsey RNLI inshore lifeboat (ILB). The lifeboat crew raced to the scene at top speed, determined to reach the harbour entrance as quickly as possible.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation in Full Swing
Backup came thick and fast, with SecAmb paramedics, Selsey and Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Teams, plus the Coastguard Rescue helicopter all scrambled to assist. However, by the time the ILB arrived at 5.50 pm, paramedics were already treating the injured youth’s wounds and keeping him warm.
After careful evaluation, the medical team decided the rescue helicopter was not required and stood it down. The youth was securely transferred into an ambulance using the lifeboat’s ambulance pouch, with ILB crewmembers helping carry him to the vehicle.
Rescue Wrapped Up Safely
With the casualty safely in the ambulance, the lifeboat crew returned to their vessel. The ILB stood down at 6.21 pm and was back at the station by 6.32 pm, ready for the next call-out.
This rapid and well-coordinated effort between lifeboat and emergency services ensured a prompt, safe rescue – a textbook example of teamwork on the UK coast.
