Rapid rescue saves solo sailor off Cornwall
A solo sailor has been successfully rescued off the coast of Cornwall UK after activating his McMurdo Fast Find PLB (Personal Locator Beacon).
68 year old solo sailing enthusiast, Richard Coles, was returning to his base at Mayflower Marina in Plymouth from Portmellon in Cornwall onboard his 39ft Benteau Oceanis 393 when he ran in to difficulty. On trying to untangle the yacht’s genoa, weather conditions caused the vessel to lurch, forcing Mr Coles overboard. Solo and unable to get back onboard, he took the decision to activate his McMurdo supplied Fast Find PLB.
On receiving the PLB alert, a search and rescue crew from RNAS Culdrose, near Helston, was sent. Mr Coles was successfully rescued by Sea King helicopter around six miles south-east of Looe, just one and half hours after activating his beacon, before being taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.
Mr Coles said, “I was extremely grateful to be carrying my PLB on a pouch around my waist when I was forced overboard and came in to difficulty. It was also very reassuring that on activation, my PLB continued to flash and give out a faint beep so that I knew it was transmitting and help would be on the way. If it were not for my Fast Find PLB, I’m almost certain I wouldn’t be here today and I would like to thank the rescue services for their amazing help and the speed in which they were able to assist me.”
