COASTGUARD NEWS - SOUTHERN                  

   <Back
Southern 116/01
2 July 2001

BUSY SATURDAY FOR SOLENT COASTGUARD

Solent coastguard had one of its busiest days this year as 63 people were rescued, in 21 separate incidents after a combination of fresh winds and a low tide caught water-users out.

The action occurred on Saturday 30 June 2001 and saw 13 yachts, two motor cruisers, a jet skier, a windsurfer, two divers, and two swimmers assisted.

A spokesperson for Solent Coastguard said, "There were a lot of yachts out for the finish of the BT Global Challenge."

Around 10 yachts were towed to harbour after having engine failure, running aground, or having propeller problems.

One man was taken to hospital after a boom on a yacht hit him and a diver who surfaced with head pains was also treated by first-aiders.

The yacht ‘Un-Y-Va’ sank after it lost its keel - all four crew were returned safely to shore.