Lyme Regis RNLI crew launched on Friday, (September 29) to help a man in difficulty in the water a short distance off Hive Beach near Burton Bradstock.

Lyme Regis inshore lifeboat launched at 3:48pm in response to a page from Solent Coastguard. The crew’s task was to locate a 63-year-old male who was seen to be in difficulty about 50m off the shoreline.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 4:02pm and was guided to the man’s exact position by watchers on the shore and by National Coastwatch Institution volunteers from their lookout post on Hive Beach.

Once the man had been located, he was quicky recovered onto to lifeboat and given first aid. He was then airlifted to Dorchester County Hospital by coastguard helicopter.

The lifeboat crew then returned to Lyme Regis at 4:50pm having confirmed that there were no other casualties in the water.

The crew were set out again on Sunday, (September 30), to rescue a yacht that had broken down eight miles south of Lyme Regis.

Yacht Opalessence was on passage from Dartmouth to Portland when her engine began to lose power as it crossed Lyme Bay. Eventually the engine stopped completely leaving veteran sailors Robin and Valerie Isaacs Mr Isaacs was also suffering from severe seasickness as he struggled to find the cause of the engine failure in rough sea conditions.

 Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew were called out at around 2.30pm and launched their Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne 8 minutes later.

They decided to tow the 10m yacht to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour. Two lifeboat crew were put on the yacht to manage the towline and keep watch over her crew. Once the towline had been set up the two vessels slowly made their way towards Lyme Regis arriving at 5:10pm. Once the yacht had been securely moored to the harbour pontoons her crew was taken ashore to the lifeboat station.

In reviewing the day’s events yachtswoman Valerie Isaacs said, ‘We were making good progress across Lyme Bay when our engine failed, and we had difficulty with our mainsail. I was also becoming increasing concerned for the condition of my husband who was suffering with severe seasickness. Once I decided to radio the coastguard for help it was a great relief to know that the lifeboat was on its way. The RNLI crew arrived very quickly and immediately took charge of the situation. We have supported the RNLI charity for many years, but this is the first time we have needed to call on their lifesaving service.”

This was the 41st service call for the volunteers of Lyme Regis lifeboat station this year.