Passengers using the Keyhaven Ferry (that’s the foot passenger ferry that goes between Yarmouth and Hurst Castle) were subject to delays this afternoon, after the crew had to switch boats to assist a yacht that had run aground.
VB spoke with Keyhaven Ferry skipper Jason Crane (whose family own the Hurst Ferry business) this afternoon.
It appears that skipper of a yacht called Altaire suffered a heart attack whilst on the Keyhaven River. Unfortunately the inexperienced crew, who did not know how to use the radio to call for help, managed to run the yacht aground.
Swift action was vital
After spotting the problem, Jason called out one of their smaller boats and with crew member Ewan Brown, went to the rescue.
Jason told us that Ewan valiantly performed CPR on arrival, as there was no pulse on the skipper, and the two stayed with the yacht until the Coastguard helicopter arrived to transport the patient away.
Well done to Jason and Ewan for their fast actions. Our thoughts are with the family of the skipper and we hope he has a speedy recovery.
