Dive Boat Capsizes Off Portland Bill

Friday, September 18, 2009
Posted 16:40 GMT

At around 3.20 this afternoon a single 999 call to Portland Coastguard reported seeing a 18 foot dive vessel capsize just off Pulpit Rock, south of Portland Bill throwing three people into the water.

Portland Coastguard immediately began broadcasting a mayday signal into the area to alert nearby shipping and the Coastguard helicopter was scrambled from Portland. The RNLI all weather lifeboat from Weymouth was also requested to launch and the Portland Coastguard Rescue Team were alerted.

By 3.30 the Coastguard helicopter was on top of the scene and after putting a winchman into the water beside the divers who had been pitched into the water, confirmed that the three people were accounted for, and that shortly after the vessel had been turned back over and was being bailed out. Debris was also being collected in the area by a nearby fishing vessel. The dive vessel may now be towed back into port by the lifeboat crew.

Ros Evans, Duty Watch Manager at Portland Coastguards aid

It does seem a little strange that in full view of the very popular stretch of coastline in clear conditions, and with the incident just a few yards offshore we had just one 999 call! Nevertheless the response mechanism came into play on the strength of that one call and we are pleased that the individuals now seem safe and well.

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