Lifeboat Called Out To Sick Sailor Monday, September 3rd, 2012 16:38
St Mary’s lifeboat The Whiteheads The St Mary’s lifeboat has reached a yachtsman 60 miles south west of Scilly, who called for help earlier today. RNLB The Whiteheads, under the command of Stuart Hitchens, is towing in the 37ft sailing yacht. Its solo sailor, an 81-year old British male, was sailing back to Falmouth from the Azores when he became unwell. The crew were paged at around 11.45am this morning.
Falmouth Coastguard say the sailor was given some medical assistance by a nearby Russian warship, but there have been some significant language difficulties. The crew of seven on the lifeboat are coming home at a speed of 8 knots and press officer Steve Watt calculates they will be back at around 9.45pm. Steve will be live on Radio Scilly’s first news bulletin at 7am.