INJURED MAN AIRLIFTED OFF SINKING VESSEL

Brixham Coastguard was contacted on 12 August 2001 by the catamaran ‘Riverman’ after it started taking on water 47 miles south of Plymouth.

Coastguards immediately scrambled a rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, which was sent to rescue a 28-year-old Plymouth man, who had suffered a broken leg.

Brixham coastguard said the inexperienced crew of three on board had probably hit debris in the water, damaging the stern of the boat.

A merchant ship, the ‘Staltdipper’, helped the other two men on board the vessel while the Salcombe lifeboat made its way to the scene.

Brixham coastguard watch manager Peter Davies added: "The two other members of the three-man crew are staying with their vessel as the inflow of water has now been contained."

Conditions were reasonable with moderate seas and force four to five winds.