Lifejacket warning after boat sinks in 45 seconds
- Tue, 28 Jun 2011
Two men aboard a leisure craft in the North Sea had an "extraordinarily lucky' escape after their boat sank within 45 seconds.
Only one of the men was wearing a lifejacket, according to the Northern Echo.
They were rescued after 90 minutes when a passing angling boat spotted them. The pair were brought to Staithes, where the coastguard rescue team were preparing for their arrival.
"These two men were extraordinarily lucky," said Mike Puplett, watch manager at Humber Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre. "Not only did another boat happen upon them but with just one lifejacket between them they managed to stay afloat for 90 minutes."
"Lifejackets are useless unless worn and incidents like this show why," he added. "Boats do sink without warning and the MCA recommends that lifejackets should be worn at all times while on deck."
The men were transferred to hospital and checked for possible hypothermia, cold water shock and secondary drowning.
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Latest comments
Mark
August 23 15:01
I agree with Xavier, I too thought the article was going to be about faulty lifejackets, perhaps a better heading would have been appropriate but just as likely to be read.
jacqui
August 10 19:26
Having done a sea survival course I would never sail without my life jacket it was a real eye opener and more courses should be available to people. We changed our life jackets to KRU those with hoods attached as you would never get one off your belt when the jacket is inflated. We tried but you can hardly move your arms.
So agree wear your life jacket you just never know what will happen.
sue
August 02 15:57
I'd really like to know what caused the boat to sink so quickly - any info available?
Dick Houghton
July 09 07:23
i wanted to know how it sank - what bit came off?