Inflatable Toys and Offshore Winds Are Dangerous

Thursday, September 03, 2009
Posted 19:21 GMT

Yarmouth Coastguard this evening coordinated a rescue of a 31 year old male in an inflatable toy dinghy, in near gale force offshore winds at Skegness.

At 5:10pm, Yarmouth Coastguard received a 999 call reporting that there was someone in an inflatable toy dinghy being swept out to sea, off Skegness. The Coastguard immediately requested the launch of the Skegness inshore RNLI lifeboat and sent Coastguard Rescue Officers from Skegness and Chapel St Leonard. A Rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield was also scrambled. Due to an offshore wind gusting to gale force and poor sea conditions, Skegness all weather RNLI lifeboat was brought to immediate readiness to support the inshore lifeboat.

Nine further 999 calls were received during the incident, reporting that the dinghy occupant was continuously being thrown from the dinghy into the water and that he was being swept out of visual distance. One 999 caller in particular was kept on the line during the whole of the incident, providing a running commentary and positional information until the Coastguard arrived.

The dinghy and occupant a 31 year old male from Leicester, were quickly located, well over half a mile out to sea by the inshore lifeboat and brought ashore; where he was attended to by Coastguards, who reported him to be cold, wet and shaken, but vehemently declining any formal medical assistance.

Mario Siano, Watch Manager at Yarmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

This was very much a touch and go incident; when will people realise how dangerous these toys are, especially in these conditions? There is no doubt; this man owes his life to the response speed of Skegness inshore lifeboat.

However, it should be noted that the number and accuracy of the 999 calls from members of the public, camp security guards and Skegness Coastwatch, allowed us to be spot on with his location and situation, and therefore lose no time in having to search for him. The lesson learned is, if you see someone in trouble at sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard; never assume someone else already has, and the more information we receive the better.

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