Cowes RNLI lifeboat took part in an extensive operation yesterday (Sunday) evening to locate a lone yachtsman for whom there were serious concerns about his well-being.
All that was known was that his yacht had left Chichester Harbour on Saturday and could be anywhere along the south coast including the Solent.
Phone tracked
However, by coastguards tracking his phone it was then determined his yacht could be in the River Medina or Newtown Creek.
Initially after launching Cowes lifeboat searched the Medina, but without success.
Spotted by the helicopter
Then as a result of a confirmed sighting by the helicopter, Cowes lifeboat went to Newtown, where Island-based coastguards and an ambulance assembled on Shalfleet Quay.
Trapped between furniture and fittings
On boarding the yacht rescuers found a man trapped between furniture and fittings in the cabin. With the help of RNLI personnel, the crew of a Lepe-based lifeboat and coastguards he was freed and taken ashore to an ambulance.
Cowes lifeboat returned to station at 9.50pm.
