Cowes, UK – On Sunday, August 10th, the Cowes RNLI crew responded to a medical emergency while returning from Bembridge RNLI’s open day.

The crew aboard the inshore lifeboat Sheena Louise had been out since 11:30 a.m. After refueling on the River Medina at 2:10 p.m., they were redirected to assist a woman suffering a severe back injury near West Lepe.

The injured woman was on a small 3.5-meter rib with a man, accompanied by two friends on a jet ski. A rogue wave struck their boat’s bow as they returned from Yarmouth, causing the woman significant pain and limiting her movement.

The Cowes RNLI crew sped to the scene. Two qualified casualty carers assessed her condition, but with helicopter evacuation impossible, the crew provided first aid onboard. They then escorted the rib and casualty across the water and up the Beaulieu River to Gins Old Farm House. There, Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team members and an ambulance awaited.

The crew finally returned to their station at 5:15 p.m., marking one of their longest continuous rescues without a crew change.

Helm Ady Stothard said, “We spent five and a half hours on the boat, which makes this one of our longest shouts without a crew change. I am proud of the crew for their fortitude and determination. Once we heard the tasking was to a severe back injury, we made the collective decision not to delay with a crew change and to respond immediately. It was a difficult rescue as we had very few options available to us and I am proud of how we responded and happy we were able to get the casualty safely to shore and into the care of paramedics. Adaptability, quick thinking and teamwork are key to successful rescues, and the crew demonstrated that here.”

The RNLI also thanked the two jet ski riders who helped by slowing passing boats to reduce wash for a smoother journey. They praised the man’s quick use of the what3words app to provide an accurate location to emergency services, greatly aiding the rescue effort.

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