Twelve Rescued as Dive Boat Sinks

Saturday, July 11, 2009
Posted 18:47 GMT

Twelve divers were rescued today, after their boat Aquanaut sank just west off Salcombe. The divers let off a flare, which alerted the crew of a passing yacht Dutch Angel, the crew then radioed the Coastguard for help; they then proceeded to the scene to secure the life raft and help the casualties out of the water.

Brixham Coastguard received the request at 10:40am and immediately scrambled a Rescue helicopter to the scene and tasked Hope Cove Coastguard Rescue team and requested the launch of the Salcombe RNLI lifeboats.

Mark Satchell, Brixham Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

The dive boat Aguanaut sank after being hit by a stern wave, which swamped the boat just of Bolt Tail. Ten of the divers took to a life raft and the remaining crew boarded the yacht on scene Dutch Angel.

Having the correct safety gear flares and life rafts almost certainly aided the prompt and safe recovery of the causalities.

I am pleased to say all twelve casualties are safe and well, with no one needing medical assistance. They are now being taken to Salcombe by the lifeboat and their life raft is undertow to Salcombe.

The weather conditions on scene were south westerlies force 4 - 5 with moderate sea and visibility down to 2 nautical miles.

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