Thanks to George for this latest report from Cowes RNLI. In his own words. Ed
Cowes RNLI lifeboat dashed through a windswept Solent today to go to the aid of a yachtsman knocked unconscious while taking part in a Cowes Week event.
The casualty was one of four men aboard the Daring Class open day boat, Audax. It had reported the incident to Solent Coastguards soon after mid-day, while 300 metres off the East Cowes shore, in Osborne Bay.
Struck by swinging boom
The lifeboat was soon on the scene. Although by then man had recovered consciousness he was bleeding profusely from wounds on both sides of his head. It is believed he had been struck once or twice by a violently swinging boom.
Lifeboat helmsman Scott Armiger went aboard the Daring to apply bandages to the wounds. The injured man, who lived in Cowes, was then helped on to the lifeboat which quickly raced to Trinity Landing, Cowes.
An ambulance then took him to St Mary’s Hospital, Newport for treatment. Also assisting in the task at Trinity Landing were auxiliary coastguards from the Island.
Image: Bandaged yachtsman just finds time to phone his wife before being helped to a nearby ambulance at Trinity Landing, Cowes.
