Coastguard in Warning to Rigid Inflatable Boat Users

At 10.25 this morning Milford Haven Coastguard were alerted by the Port Authority to a small rigid inflatable boat which had overturned near the semlogistics number 2 berth tipping the lone occupant into the water.

 

Fortunately, the MCA vessel Falcon was in the vicinity at the time and went to assist. The individual who was pulled from the water had cuts to his hands and head which may require stitching and an ambulance was called to Commercial Fishermans Pontoon where the casualty would be met by paramedics.

 

The crew of the Falcon remained on scene for a short while, and with a crew from another RIB managed to get the overturned vessel upright. The Dale Coastguard Team were alerted to assist and meet the vessel and casualty when it reached the landing stage.

 

Kevin Rogers, Watch Manager at Milford Haven Coastguard said: Fortunately the weather seems quite benign today with northwesterly winds of 3 to 4 forecast. However, there is a chop in the water which may affect small boats.

 

It appears that the man fell out of the rib after hitting a wave – but it appears he was not wearing a kill cord. Therefore the boat continued, but a friend in another rib rammed the empty boat, causing it to capsize and stopping it from possibly causing injury elsewhere.

 

A kill cord is specifically designed to halt the engine on the rib if something untowards occurs to the driver of the boat. Normally its held round the wrist and attached to the key. Our advice is always to ensure that you have such a kill cord attached in some way to you as the driver. In that way you can prevent any further accident if your rib then speeds off on its own.

 

Fortunately in this instance another nearby rib driver saw what was about to happen and was able to do something about it.

 

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401