After an onboard accident fractures the sailor’s kneecap, he makes a dramatic call for help and is rescued by the RNLI.
A sailor en-route to Scotland from Falmouth sailed into Fishguard Bay to rest for a while in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Having safely anchored, the man slipped on deck, fracturing his kneecap and chipping the bone in his lower leg.
The sailor was completely alone on the 35ft yacht, but managed to crawl into the cabin and make a ‘Mayday’ call.
Fishguard RNLI responded shortly after, launching their all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat.
One of the RNLI crew was a local doctor, who was able to treat the injured sailor immediately.
Using a basket stretcher, the crew transferred the sailor to the inshore lifeboat and took him to shore. He was met by an ambulance, which took him to Withybush Hospital.
The all-weather lifeboat (pictured) moved the yacht and moored it within the shelter of the north breakwater in Fishguard Harbour.