White parachute flares help locate dinghy sailors

15/03/2022

Rescuers saved two dinghy sailors in the water and mud at Keyhaven, on the UK south coast, after using white parachute flares.

Lymington RNLI crew were training nearby when they were called to find the pair in strong force five winds. The station’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat B-882 David Bradley launched.

One person was reported to be in the water and another stayed with the dinghy.

Due to the low tide, the lifeboat could not get close to the eastern approach entrance. The crew illuminated the area using a white parachute flare, but could not see the sailors.

They then searched another area at Keyhaven River using another white parachute flare to illuminate the area. This helped the Lymington and Hillhead Coastguard Coastguard mud rescue team locate the casualty.

The lifeboat then located the second casualty who was cold and wet and was sheltering from the wind in a Shetland dinghy at the Quay. The crew watched nearby until the mud rescue team reached them.

The RNLI Helm says, ‘It was great to see all the rescue agencies work together so well. It is also really important to ensure you have a means to call the Coastguard if you are in difficulty. The water temperature is also really cold at this time of year and it’s important to ensure you have appropriate clothing.”

The image of the Lymington crew during the rescue is credit of RNLI/Suzanne Brown.