A
Near Miss -
3rd August 2003
On a calm Summers morning with a windspeed of 1-2 mph a tragedy nearly occurred
when Ken and Val sailing their RS200 made an enthusiastic roll tack and capsized.
The boat inverted and Val was trapped inside the boat between the shrouds and
kicking strap, she had a rope round her neck. Ken valiantly tried to free his
wife but to no avail, Gary Stewart (sailing his new Merlin with Martin Cohen
) dived in to help Ken support his wifes head barely above water.
Both Rescue boats Wembley's and the Harp Sailing School boat where in attendance,
plus other members from the Firefly & GP classes were also on hand to help.
A knife was supplied and the ropes cut and Val was taken on board Wembley's
rescue boat and taken ashore.
Val was attended by Mike Cavendish (a member sailing his GP14 he is also a doctor)
and he declared her fit, but recommended that she attend hospital as she had
swallowed some Harp water.
We are all pleased that this had a happy outcome, but it was a near - near thing
- but without the knife ?? Our thanks go to all who helped bring this to a happy
outcome, but especially to Gary Stewart for his prompt action.
All sailors are recommended to carry a sharp serrated knife, and in a position
to be readily available, because if this can happen in near drifting conditions,
when things get lively and capsizes are common, then self help is the best remedy.
Enquiry
I give below the facts as established at the inquiry after talking to personnel
involved and Ken and Val who were sailing the RS200.
Both Ken and Val were wearing buoyancy aids, the buoyancy aid in no way impeded
or restrained Val. The kicking strap had been loosened due to the light winds
and it was this that trapped Val Neither Ken or Val were carrying a knife.
John Coombes Senior Instructor of the Harp Sailing School Rescue boat passed
his knife to Ken and he cut the kicking strap to free Val. (John said he has
had that knife for 50 years and it has never been used for such an incident).
Gary Stewarts prompt action in helping to lift the inverted RS was a major factor
in enabling Ken to keep Vals head above water
Mike Cavendish (a doctor) prompt action in coming alongside the Wembley rescue
boat and giving assistance to Val, examine her ashore and arranging for prompt
reception at the hospital. It has made us review our rescue procedures, all
rescue boats will carry a knife and wire cutters, and recommend that all sailors
carry a sharp knife.
Follow up
A reminder sent out to all personnel down for rescue duty,
All rescue boat crew must carry a knife on board.
One of the primary rules for rescue boat crews when you see a capsized boat,
count heads. If it is a two person boat then check you can see two heads. The
second person on the rescue boat must be prepared to go into the water if the
circumstances described above are repeated but must not put him or herself in
danger. The rescue boat must at all times have helm and assistant
It has brought home to us, that a rescue boat properly
manned, is essential no matter how light the winds.
Brian Whyte