Portsea Rescue 1 Tasked Twice During Tuesday Night Training Session

Whilst conducting their regular Tuesday night training session, the Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards were tasked twice by Solent Coastguard to assist a broken down yacht and to search for a swimmer off of Southsea Castle.

Coastguard Rescue 175 conducts a shoreline search for a swimmer off of Southsea

As lifeguard members were gathering for their regular Tuesday evening training, Portsea Rescue 1 was asked by Solent Coastguard to assist a 7 meter Bayliner which had suffered from engine difficulties in the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. With ferries passing very close to the yacht and the skipper worried for his safety, Portsea Rescue 1 was rushed to the Camber where she was launched. Once underway to the vessel, Solent Coastguard had confirmed that an MOD police boat had gone to the casualty vessel and had then set up a tow into Portsmouth Harbour. Portsea Rescue 1 stood down and returned to training.

Our second tasking came whilst Portsea Rescue 1 was conducting a winching exercise with the Coastguard Helicopter 175. Solent Coastguard tasked the boat to Southsea Castle, where a member of the public had dialed 999 regarding a swimmer which appeared to be in trouble off of the castle. With the coastguard helicopter on scene within seconds the swimmer was located. The boat arrived soon after and spoke to the swimmer who had an orange buoy and was spear fishing, and confirmed he did not need assistance. A call with good intentions no doubt. Portsea Rescue 1 and the helicopter then returned to their training soon after. 

If you see anyone in danger in the water, do not hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard!